Parnassia fimbriata / fringed grass of Parnassus

Adjectives: alpine, interesting bits, native, riparian, rocky, subalpine

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Fringed grass of Parnassus is a perennial with erect flower stalks growing from clumps of basal leaves. The leaves have rounded blades and usually folded along the midribs. They have long petioles. The species is not rare, but is uncommon enough to be a delight whenever it’s found.

The first and most obvious sign that you’re viewing this species is the flowers. Each stem (peduncle) has a single flower, and each flower has five, fringed and veined white petals roughly a ½” long. Each plant can produce dozens of flowers. Less obvious… between the petals are 5 small, jagged sepals and in the center are 5 distinct stamens pointing outward over the sepals. There are also 5 shorter staminodes. These are infertile stamens topped by brown-ish glands. In the center is a large and protruding green pistil.

Also not obvious but sort if interesting is the single clasping bract midway up the peduncles.

Each flower produces a significant capsule with a huge number of seeds. Propagation using these seed or by division of plants is reportedly easy.

Fringed grass of Parnassus usually grows in wet areas—along streams, canyons and lakeshores— and up to the subalpine and alpine regions. “Wet” is somewhat confusing at some alpine locations and perhaps the plant is indicating more subsoil, sub-rock moisture than meets the eye.

.Interesting bits: “Parnassus” is a famed mountain in Greece sacred to Apollo and the muses. Supposedly, 18th century plant collectors first found this genus on the mountain slopes.