Northern grass of Parnassus

Description

Parnassia palustris, the marsh grass of Parnassus, northern grass-of-Parnassus, or just grass-of-Parnassus, and bog star, is a flowering plant in the staff-vine family Celastraceae.It is the county flower of Cumberland in England, and appears on its flag. The name comes from ancient Greece: evidently the cattle on Mount Parnassus appreciated the plant; hence it was an "honorary grass".The specific epithet palustris is Latin for "of the marsh" and indicates its common habitat.It was described by the Greek physician Dioscorides, growing up a mountain in 1st century A.D. This perennial plant is not a grass, nor does it look like one, but grows from a short underground stem. It has long stemmed heart-shaped leaves, which are 4-12 in (10–30 cm) long. In the centre of the leaf, is the flowering stem. The stem holds a solitary white flower, blooming between July and October. The flower has 5 stamens around the centre. The flower produces a honey-like scent to attract pollinators. Parnassia palustris is native to northern temperate parts of Eurasia. Found in wet moorlands and marshes of northern England and Scotland.