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red turtlehead

Scientific Name: Chelone obliqua

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: MD (red turtlehead), MI (purple turtlehead)

       

Red Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)

Chelone obliqua, commonly known as Red Turtlehead, Pink Turtlehead, or Rose Turtlehead, is a captivating herbaceous perennial wildflower cherished for its unique floral shape.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the presence of sap or other substances in the plant's leaves, which have been used in herbal lore. The potential effects of these substances on pets are unknown.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant has parts that have been used in herbal lore. The potential effects on children are unknown.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chelone obliqua L.
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family), now sometimes placed in Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
  • Common Names: Red Turtlehead, Pink Turtlehead, Rose Turtlehead, Purple Turtlehead, Lyon's Turtlehead, Appalachian Turtlehead, Red Balmony.
  • Varieties: Chelone obliqua var. speciosa, Chelone obliqua var. erwiniae, Chelone obliqua var. obliqua
  • Synonyms: The text also mentions differentiating from Chelone glabra (Turtlehead).

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Red Turtlehead is native to North America.
  • It occurs naturally from Minnesota to Florida.
  • It is considered non-native in New England, where it has been collected in forests of Massachusetts.
  • It thrives in wetland environments, such as freshwater swamps and wet woods.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Chelone obliqua is an erect, herbaceous perennial.
  • It has rounded stems and toothed, dark green leaves.
  • It produces purple or dark pink flowers in late summer.
  • The flowers are notable for their shape, with the upper lip arching over the lower lip, resembling a turtle's head.
  • The plant can grow to heights of about 30 inches.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name Chelone is derived from a woman in Greek Mythology who the gods transformed.
  • One cultivar, Chelone obliqua 'Tiny Tortuga', is noted for creating a "beauty buzz" in gardens and patios.

Ecological Role

  • The plant is a native perennial forb.
  • It is considered a good choice for heavy, wet soils.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chelone obliqua.
  • The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database contains information about the plant.
  • The Encyclopedia of Life includes information and articles about Chelone obliqua var. speciosa.