Parnassia palustris aka Grass Of Parnassus

Taxonomy ID: 13592

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 Parnassia

More information about Grass Of Parnassus

How difficult is it to take care of Grass Of Parnassus

Caring for Grass Of Parnassus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

What is the growth pattern and size of Grass Of Parnassus?

New growth will sprout from the top of the Grass Of Parnassus as it grows vertically.

What is the region of origin of Grass Of Parnassus

Grass Of Parnassus’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Greece and temperate Asia.

What are the water needs for Grass Of Parnassus

Grass Of Parnassus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Grass Of Parnassus

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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Grass Of Parnassus

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.

Is Grass Of Parnassus toxic to humans/pets?

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.

What seasonal care does Grass Of Parnassus need?

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.

More info:
Wikipedia