Family: Celastraceae
small-flowered grass-of-Parnassus
[Parnassia palustris var. parviflora L.]
Robert W. Freckmann
Etymology: Parnassia: named for Mt. Parnassus of Greece, of uncertain application
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-12" tall forb
Leaves: basal leaves with oval to oblong blades, the bases tapering to the stem;
usually 1 erect, stalkless, smaller stem leaf
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/2"-3/4" wide, petals to 1/2 longer than the sepals; solitary; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: Lake Michigan shores, wet meadows; in limy soil
Conservation Status: Endangered
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-12" tall forb
Leaves: basal leaves with oval to oblong blades, the bases tapering to the stem;
usually 1 erect, stalkless, smaller stem leafFlowers: white, 5-parted, 1/2"-3/4" wide, petals to 1/2 longer than the sepals; solitary; blooms June-Aug.
Habitat: Lake Michigan shores, wet meadows; in limy soil
Conservation Status: Endangered
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = OBL WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
William S. Alverson
from USDA Plants website
from USDA Plants website