California Grass Of Parnassus
Parnassia palustris var. palustris
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Aleutian Is., Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine, United States
GBIF: RWFoote
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Celastraceae
- Genus:
- Parnassia
- Species:
- Parnassia palustris var. palustris
- USDA Symbol:
- PACA18
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, flies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich, organic soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in marshes and wet meadows
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.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI