Parnassia asarifolia

Kidney-leaf Grass of Parnassus

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Kidney-leaf Grass of ParnassusKidney-leaved Grass of Parnassus

Context

nativeRegion

Southeastern United States, primarily in the Appalachian Mountains and nearby wetlands.

usdaZones

5–8

companionPlants

Sarracenia (pitcher plants), Drosera (sundews), Carex (sedges), Iris versicolor

culturalUses

Primarily valued for its ornamental and ecological importance in native wetland restoration and bog gardens.

Care

LightPrefers partial shade to full sun.

WateringRequires consistently moist to wet soil; avoid letting it dry out.

SoilThrives in acidic, organically rich, mucky soils; tolerates boggy conditions.

FertilizerRarely needs fertilization if soil is rich; otherwise, use a diluted, balanced fertilizer annually in spring.

HumidityHigh humidity preferred; naturally found in moist, boggy environments.

TemperatureHardy in cool to mild climates; tolerates cold temperatures typical of its habitat.

HabitPerennial herb with basal, rounded leaves and upright flowering stems.

Mature Size10–40 cm (4–16 in) tall.

Growth RateSlow to moderate growth rate.

BloomingProduces delicate, white, veined flowers from late summer to early fall.

DormancyEnters winter dormancy; foliage dies back in cold climates.

MethodsSeed, Division

DifficultyModerate; seeds need stratification and moist conditions.

Best SeasonEarly spring for division; autumn for sowing seeds outdoors.

PruningMinimal; remove old flower stems and dead foliage after dormancy starts.

RepottingRarely necessary; prefers not to be disturbed once established.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest-free; watch for root rot in poorly drained soils.

ToxicityNot known to be toxic to humans or animals.

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