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Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris)

Need a main photo for this plant


Life history

Species overview

Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris), a Wisconsin Threatened plant, is found on clay bluffs along Lake Superior, and in cold northern fens, and calcareous sand or gravel pits. Blooming occurs early August through early September; fruiting occurs throughout September. The optimal identification period for this species is throughout August.

Synonyms: Parnassia multiseta, P. palustris, P. palustris ssp. neogaea, P. palustris var. neogaea

Identification

  • Distinguishing characteristics: Cauline leaf as large as basal leaves.
  • Flower characteristics: Flowers bisexual; petals white, 5- to 17-nerved, 9 to 13 mm, half to twice as long as the lance-triangular, green sepals.
  • Fruit characteristics: Numerous oblong, angular seeds.
  • Leaf characteristics: Mostly basal with one cauline leaf, entire, palmately veined; blades of basal leaves broadly ovate to almost rotund, 1 to 3 cm, three quarters to fully as wide, broadly rounded or more often cordate at the base; cauline leaf as large as the basal, broadly ovate, sessile and cordate-clasping.

Phenology

  • Blooming phenology: early August through early September
  • Fruiting phenology: throughout September
  • Optimum time to identify: The optimal identification period for this species is throughout August

Other

  • Growth form: Forb-erect
  • Vegetative reproduction:
  • Life cycle: Perennial
  • Comments: Associated Species: Alnus crispa, A. rugosa, Salix spp., Carex lacustris, Typha latifolia, Mimulus glabratus, Juncus brevicaudatus, Solidago canadensis, Equisetum arvense, Fragaria virginiana.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Documented locations of Parnassia palustris in the Natural Heritage Inventory Database as of July 2015.


Summary Information
State StatusTHR
Federal Status in Wisconsinnone
State RankS1S2
Global RankG5
Tracked by NHIY

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

  • Habitat description: Found on clay bluffs along Lake Superior, and in cold northern fens, and calcareous sand or gravel pits.
  • Soils: Moist to wet, sandy, gravelly, or calcareous soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Map of the Ecological Landscapes of Wisconsin.

Ecological landscape score
Northeast Sands 3
Northwest Sands 1
Superior Coastal Plain 3

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

  • No avoidance measures have been developed for this species.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

  • No guidance has been developed for this species.

Photos

No additional photos are available for Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus at this time. Please consider donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.


Support for Wisconsin's rare plant information has been provided by the Division of Forestry, the Endangered Resources Fund and the Wisconsin Rare Plant Preservation Fund. To donate, visit the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin [exit DNR].

Last revised: Wednesday, May 05, 2021
Southwest Savanna Southern Lake Michigan Coastal Western Coulees and Ridges Southeast Glacial Plains Central Sand Hills Central Lake Michigan Coastal Central Sand Plains Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Northern Lake Michigan Coastal Northeast Sands Western Prairie North Central Forest Northern Highlands Northwest Lowlands Northwest Sands Northwest Lowlands Superior Coastal Plains Forest Transition