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Grass-of-Parnassus

©Philip Precey

Grass-of-parnassus

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Enw gwyddonol: Parnassia palustris
The stately Grass-of-parnassus displays pretty, white flowers with green stripes. Once widespread, it is now declining as its wetland habitats are disappearing.

Top facts

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Stats

Height: up to 25cm

Conservation status

Common.

Pryd i'w gweld

June to September

Ynghylch

Grass-of-parnassus isn't actually a grass, instead getting its common name from the translucent green stripes that adorn the white petals of its cup-shaped flower. Once widely distributed, it is now confined to damp pastures, moors and marshes mainly in the north of the UK, but can still be found in the Norfolk Broads and fens, and also in localised patches in the south. It flowers between June and September.

What to look for

Grass-of-parnassus has open, ivory-white flowers held on long stems. The five petals are delicately striped with green and enclose a cluster of yellow stamens. Around the base of the flower, the dark green, heart-shaped leaves can be seen cupping the stems.

Where to find

Mainly found in Scotland, Northern England and Ireland.

Habitats

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

Grass-of-parnassus, also known as 'Bog-star', is the county flower of both Cumbria in England, and Sutherland in Scotland.