Despite its common name, the Fringed Grass-of-Parnassus is not a grass at all but a flowering plant native to western North America. It has a delicate flower with 5 white petals, the lower part of which have hairs. It is found in wet or boggy places in higher, alpine elevations. The Parnassus part of its name is believed to be a reference to Greece's Mount Parnassus which was a favourite spot of the god Apollo.