(Grass of Parnassus)

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Parnassia fimbriata, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 8293

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Parnassia fimbriata, McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 1196

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Parnassia fimbriata, Indiana Creek, Summit Co. 6844

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Parnassia fimbriata, Indiana Creek, Summit Co. 1662

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Parnassia fimbriata, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 8306

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Mid-stem leaf, Parnassia fimbriata, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 8309

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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