Grass of Parnassus

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iGrass of Parnassus
Parnassia palustris
Parnassia palustris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Celastrales
Family: Parnassiaceae
Genus: Parnassia
Species
  • P. asarifolia
  • P. cabulica
  • P. caroliniana
  • P. californica
  • P. cirrata
  • P. fimbriata
  • P. glauca
  • P. grandifolia
  • P. kotzebuei
  • P. palustris

Grass of Parnassus is the English name for the genus Parnassia, also known as Bog-stars. Parnassia is considered by many authors the only genus in the family Parnassiaceae, while others also include the small genus Lepuropetalon. The plants occur in arctic and alpine habitats, as well as in dune systems and bogs, across the Northern Hemisphere.

Northern Grass of Parnassus
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Northern Grass of Parnassus

Parnassus flowers are the symbol of the clan MacLea, also known as the highland Livingstone clan, which is said to be because they were the favorite flower of St Moluag, the Irish missionary whose staff the clan chiefs hold.

Grass of Parnassus is also a book of poetry by Andrew Lang.

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