Parnassia palustris aka Grass Of Parnassus
Taxonomy
Parnassia palustris, also known as the marsh grass of Parnassus, northern grass-of-Parnassus, or just grass-of-Parnassus, and bog star, is a flowering plant in the staff-vine family Celastraceae. Despite its name, it is not a grass and has a unique appearance. This perennial plant forms a rosette with heart-shaped basal leaves and can reach a height of up to 20cm. In late spring and early summer, it produces star-shaped white flowers with greenish veins, measuring approximately 2.5cm across. P. palustris, which is the county flower of Cumberland in England and featured on its flag, thrives in marshy habitats, as indicated by its Latin specific epithet "palustris" meaning "of the marsh." This plant was admired by the cattle on Mount Parnassus in ancient Greece, earning it the honorary title of "grass." The species was described by Dioscorides, a Greek physician, and has been found growing on mountains since the 1st century A.D. The flowering stem emerges from the center of the long-stemmed, heart-shaped leaves and holds a solitary white flower, which emits a honey-like scent to attract pollinators. Blooming from July to October, the flower features 5 stamens encircling its center.
Common names
Grass Of Parnassus, Bog Star, Marsh ParnassiaHow to care for Grass Of Parnassus
Difficulty
Caring for Grass Of Parnassus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Grass Of Parnassus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Grass Of Parnassus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Grass Of Parnassus prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Grass Of Parnassus to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Grass Of Parnassus as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Grass Of Parnassus’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Greece and temperate Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
