Carolina Grass Of Parnassus
Parnassia caroliniana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Carolina Grass Of Parnassus (Parnassia caroliniana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
FL, NC, SC
Pollinators
flies, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Carolina grass of Parnassus is a delicate native wildflower that produces small white flowers on slender stems from late summer through fall. This compact perennial forms neat clumps in partially shaded, moist areas and works well as a groundcover or accent plant in naturalized gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Grass Of Parnassus takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears too wild and weedy for formal landscapes
- Small stature makes it look unkempt in maintained beds
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional
Wildlife value
The white flowers attract flies and beetles during late summer and fall blooming periods. This native plant supports local pollinator populations when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Carolina Grass Of Parnassus need?
- Carolina Grass Of Parnassus grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Carolina Grass Of Parnassus bloom?
- Carolina Grass Of Parnassus blooms in August, September, and October.
- Where is Carolina Grass Of Parnassus native?
- Carolina Grass Of Parnassus (Parnassia caroliniana) is native to FL, NC, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Carolina Grass Of Parnassus attract?
- Carolina Grass Of Parnassus draws flies and beetles.
- Is Carolina Grass Of Parnassus HOA-friendly?
- Carolina Grass Of Parnassus takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Carolina Grass Of Parnassus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz