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Chelone glabra

Native Plants

Turtlehead

3 Photos


Summary

The white or blush pink snapdragon-like flowers of turtlehead (Chelone glabra) add a marvelous late summer charm to the garden when few other plants are blooming. Flowers are borne in upright, terminal spikes atop plants that ultimately reach 3-4’ tall. Turtlehead grows well in rich, moist soil that ranges from neutral to slightly acidic and thrives in part shade to full sun as long as there is adequate moisture. Turtlehead makes an excellent accent specimen in the naturalistic garden or along streams. The foliage is deer resistant and is an important food and breeding source for butterflies. Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), black bugbane (Actaea racemosa), and royal fern (Osmunda regalis) make excellent garden companions. Zones 3-8. 


More Details

  • Plant Type
    perennial 
  • Sun/Shade Conditions
    partial-shade-to-full-sun 
  • Foliage Character
    deciduous 
  • Soil Moisture
    moist-to-wet 
  • Flowering Period
    late-summer-to-early-fall
  • Soil PH
    adaptable 
  • Flower Color
    pink, white 
  • Summer Foliage Color
    green 
  • Fall Foliage Color
    green 
  • Fruit/Seed Color
    green 

Additional Information

Illinois Wildflowers, USDA Plants