Fringed Grass Of Parnassus

Parnassia fimbriata

Native to:
Canada, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Celastraceae
Genus:
Parnassia
Species:
Parnassia fimbriata
USDA Symbol:
PAFI3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Zelleria parnassiae

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in wet meadows and stream banks

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and keep consistently moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: 5 month outdoor germination. Seeds should be surface sown and exposed to fluctuating temperatures, preferably in the presence of light.

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 months, then place @ 20C for 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society