Fringed grass of Parnassus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fringed grass of Parnassus |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Parnassia
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| Species: |
fimbriata
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The Parnassia fimbriata, also known as the fringed grass of Parnassus, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the plant family Celastraceae, which includes many different types of trees, shrubs, and vines. This plant is found naturally in the western parts of North America. You can spot it growing from Alaska and northwestern Canada all the way down to the southern Rocky Mountains.
This plant loves to grow in high, cool places. It thrives in alpine and subalpine areas, which are environments found in mountains just below the tree line. These places often have cold temperatures and lots of snow.
Contents
What is the Fringed Grass of Parnassus?
The fringed grass of Parnassus is a type of plant called a perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years and doesn't have a woody stem like a tree or shrub. Each year, it grows a new flowering stem from its roots.
How Does it Grow?
This plant starts with a group of leaves that grow close to the ground, forming a patch. From the center of these leaves, a straight stem grows upwards. This stem can reach up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. It's mostly bare, with just one small leaf-like part called a bract in the middle.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of the fringed grass of Parnassus are quite interesting. Each leaf has a round shape at the end of a long stalk, called a petiole. The entire leaf, including its stalk, can be up to 16 centimeters (about 6 inches) long.
What Does the Flower Look Like?
Each stem of the fringed grass of Parnassus usually has one single flower at its top. This flower is quite delicate and pretty.
Parts of the Flower
The flower has five small, jagged green parts called sepals. These sepals are located behind the petals and help protect the flower bud before it opens. The most noticeable parts are the five white petals. Each petal is about one centimeter long and has clear veins, making them look even more detailed. What makes them special is their fringed edges, which look like tiny hairs or threads.
Inside the Flower
In the very center of the flower, you'll find five stamens. Stamens are the male parts of the flower that produce pollen. There are also five other parts called staminodes. These are like stamens but they don't produce pollen. The staminodes of this plant have many narrow, round-tipped lobes along their edges, adding to the flower's unique look.
