Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus
Parnassia palustris
Also known as Grass of Parnassus, Bog Star, Marsh Parnassia
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate alpine perennial with white, fringed flowers and distinctive parasitic stamens, thriving in wetland and marshy habitats. Best grown in consistently moist to wet soils with partial shade.
Why grow it
Marsh grass-of-Parnassus occupies a narrow ecological niche among wetland perennials, offering refined ornamental value in settings where few other plants perform reliably. Its modest stature and delicate white flowers make it useful for specialized wetland gardens, rain gardens, and pond margins where bolder moisture-loving plants might dominate. Unlike many bog plants, it tolerates partial shade, expanding placement options in woodland wetland edges where light is limited.
Watch out for
This species requires consistently wet conditions year-round and does not tolerate drought or poorly drained upland soils, making it unsuitable for typical garden beds. It is slow to establish from seed and generally benefits from nursery-propagated divisions, which can be slow to find. Container-grown specimens may struggle when transitioning to outdoor wetland conditions if acclimation to natural water fluctuation is rushed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Parnassiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Europe and Asia
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate alpine perennial with white, fringed flowers and distinctive parasitic stamens, thriving in wetland and marshy habitats. Best grown in consistently moist to wet soils with partial shade.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Marsh grass-of-Parnassus occupies a narrow ecological niche among wetland perennials, offering refined ornamental value in settings where few other plants perform reliably. Its modest stature and delicate white flowers make it useful for specialized wetland gardens, rain gardens, and pond margins where bolder moisture-loving plants might dominate. Unlike many bog plants, it tolerates partial shade, expanding placement options in woodland wetland edges where light is limited.
Watch out for
This species requires consistently wet conditions year-round and does not tolerate drought or poorly drained upland soils, making it unsuitable for typical garden beds. It is slow to establish from seed and generally benefits from nursery-propagated divisions, which can be slow to find. Container-grown specimens may struggle when transitioning to outdoor wetland conditions if acclimation to natural water fluctuation is rushed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Parnassiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Europe and Asia
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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