(Grass of Parnassus)
Parnassia fimbriata, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 8293
Parnassia fimbriata, McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 1196
Parnassia fimbriata, Indiana Creek, Summit Co. 6844
Parnassia fimbriata, Indiana Creek, Summit Co. 1662
Parnassia fimbriata, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 8306
Mid-stem leaf, Parnassia fimbriata, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 8309
Leaves, Parnassia fimbriata, Indiana Creek, Summit Co. 6847
| Scientific Name | Parnassia fimbriata | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PAFI3 |
| Common Name | Grass of Parnassus | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 24209 |
| Family | Celastraceae (Staff-tree), formerly Parnassiaceae | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills to alpine (6500 to 13500 ft.); boggy areas, streamsides, wetlands, moist meadows. Plant: Erect perennial with weak stems, 6 to 16 inches tall. Leaves: Kidney-shaped to round basal leaves 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch across with petioles 1 to 6 inches long; small bract-like leaf midway on stem. Inflorescence: Solitary blossoms on long peduncles; white saucer-shaped flowers with 5 petals fringed in the lower portion and 5 sepals below; 5 long fertile stamens with cream-tan anthers and 5 short, greenish-yellow sterile stamens (staminodes) with multiple small branches topped by small, green to yellow-brown glands; protruding green pistil. Bloom Period: July to September. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains" by Carl Schreier and American Southwest. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains