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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
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.
| Summary Information | |
|---|---|
| State Status | THR |
| Federal Status in Wisconsin | none |
| State Rank | S1S2 |
| Global Rank | G5 |
| Tracked by NHI | Y |
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.
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).
| Natural communities | score |
|---|---|
| Transportation-Utility Corridor | 1 |
| Northern Sedge Meadow | 2 |
| Boreal Rich Fen | 2 |
| Clay Seepage Bluff | 2 |
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.
| Ecological landscape | score |
|---|---|
| Northeast Sands | 3 |
| Northwest Sands | 1 |
| Superior Coastal Plain | 3 |
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.
These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.
Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species
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].