How much sun does Grass-of-Parnassus need?

Grass-of-Parnassus grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Grass-of-Parnassus bloom?

Grass-of-Parnassus blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Grass-of-Parnassus native?

Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Grass-of-Parnassus toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Grass-of-Parnassus as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Grass-of-Parnassus attract?

Grass-of-Parnassus draws flies and beetles.

Is Grass-of-Parnassus HOA-friendly?

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.

Grass-of-Parnassus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Parnassia palustris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Grass-of-Parnassus as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 3"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests

Parnassia palustris is a small perennial wildflower that produces delicate white blooms from June through August. This compact plant stays under a foot tall and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions to thrive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Grass-of-Parnassus takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires bog-like conditions that are difficult to maintain
Very small size makes it appear sparse in typical landscaping
Specialized wetland plant looks out of place in conventional gardens

Wildlife value

The flowers attract flies and beetles, which serve as important pollinators for this native species.

Common questions

How much sun does Grass-of-Parnassus need?: Grass-of-Parnassus grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Grass-of-Parnassus bloom?: Grass-of-Parnassus blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Grass-of-Parnassus native?: Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Grass-of-Parnassus toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Grass-of-Parnassus as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Grass-of-Parnassus attract?: Grass-of-Parnassus draws flies and beetles.
Is Grass-of-Parnassus HOA-friendly?: 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.

Ready to grow Grass-of-Parnassus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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