Parnassia glauca Raf.
characteristics
This circumpolar perennial plant is not a grass nor does it look like a grass. (Why it is called a grass is a mystery.)
At the plant's base are a rosette of spade-shaped leaves. Long stems with a clasping leaf midway give the impression the stem is growing out of the leaf. A single white flower with green-yellow translucent veins blooms at the stem's tip. At the flower's centre are a cluster of yellow stamens and infertile stamen-like nectar glands that are inviting to pollinators.
Also known as fen grass of parnassus, American grass-of-Parnussus, and bog-stars.
700,000 seeds/pound; starts from seed, container
T | SSN | H | W | sun | soil | H2O | fire | N2 | pH | summer | fall | flower (seed) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P | W | 0.7 | 0.2 | S/PS | F-M | M | •• | - | 6.0-8.0 | green | grey-yellow | white |
habitat
Streambanks, bogs and wet meadows.
uses
Used medicinally as a diuretic, sedative, and tonic.
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