The Grass-of-Parnassus Family in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington

Parnassiaceae in Oregon, Celastraceae in Washington

(this family historically has been included as part of the Saxifragaceae)

Fringed Grass-of-Parnassus: Parnassia frimbriata(Synonym: Parnassia frimbriata var. frimbriata) - Leaves basal and broadly heart- or kidney-shaped. Leaf margins entire. Flowers large and showy, with 5 white petals which are fringed at their bases. Staminodia short and thick.

Cascade Grass-of-Parnassus, Fringed Grass-of-Parnassus: Parnassia cirrata var. intermedia (Synonyms: Parnassia fimbriata var. hoodiana, Parnassia fimbriata var. intermedia, Parnassia intermedia) - Leaves basal and broadly heart- or kidney-shaped. Leaf margins entire. Flowers large and showy, with 5 white petals which are fringed at their bases. Staminodia longer and thinner (thread-like).