Three families are better than one (?)

Parnassia fimbriata, August 2, 2023

Common & scientific name

Fringed Grass of Parnassus, Parnassia fimbriata

Family

Saxifrage, Saxifragaceae, Staff Tree, Celastraceae, or Parnassus, Parnassiaceae

Location

Riverside, 10,400’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

This bright white, late-blooming, water-loving flower is always a delight to find, often in roadside ditches where orchids and elephanthead bloomed earlier. Its petals are fringed at the base, and its leaves heart-shaped. While the family it belongs to is in dispute (or in transition may be a better way to put it), its delicate beauty is not!

Roadside, 10,300’