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Straight Species
Chelone glabra, commonly called turtlehead, is a stiffly erect, clump-forming, leafy-stemmed perennial which typically grows 2-3′ tall and occurs in moist woods, swampy areas and along streams mostly in the southeastern part of the State. Hooded, snapdragon-like, two-lipped, white flowers with a tinge of pink appear in tight, spike-like terminal racemes from late summer into autumn. Flowers purportedly resemble turtle heads. Coarsely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves.
Best grown in moist to wet, rich, humusy soils in part shade. Appreciates a good composted leaf mulch, particularly in sunny areas. Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height, especially if growing plants in strongly shaded areas where they are more likely to need some support. In optimum environments, however, staking is usually not required. Slowly spreads by rhizomes.
Price range: $14.99 through $149.99
Please note: Most pictures represent mature plants. Unless otherwise specified, all of our plants are sold in 4″ pots to make shipping possible and will mature in time.
Learn more about how the process works and how our plants are delivered.
| Native | |
|---|---|
| Wetland Indicator | |
| Sunlight | |
| Special Attributes | |
| Moisture | |
| Bloom Period | August to October |
| Size | 1 Quart, Full Flat – (50) 2 inch Plugs |
Chelone glabra, commonly known as White Turtlehead, is a striking native perennial prized for its unique, snapdragon-like white flowers and upright growth habit. A beautiful choice for rain gardens, pollinator gardens, native plant gardens, wet meadows, woodland edges, and pond-side landscapes, White Turtlehead adds texture, structure, and late-season color to moisture-rich planting areas.
This adaptable perennial thrives in moist to wet soils and partial shade to full sun, making it an excellent choice for areas where many traditional garden plants may struggle. Its distinctive flowers are especially attractive to bees and butterflies, while its upright form and rich green foliage provide visual interest throughout the growing season. White Turtlehead is also an important host plant for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, adding valuable wildlife habitat to native plantings.
Whether you’re creating a rain garden, enhancing a wet area of your landscape, or adding native plants to a pollinator-friendly garden, Chelone glabra offers beauty, versatility, and ecological value. Its unique blooms pair beautifully with ferns, sedges, grasses, and other moisture-loving perennials.
