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red turtlehead
Scientific Name: Chelone obliqua var. obliqua
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: KY (red turtlehead)
Red Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)
The Red Turtlehead, scientifically known as Chelone obliqua, is also commonly called Pink Turtlehead or Rose Turtlehead. Its distinctive flower shape, resembling a turtle's head, makes it a unique and interesting addition to any garden.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the presence of sap or other substances. (e.g. leaves, roots)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Chelone obliqua L.
- Common Names: Red Turtlehead, Pink Turtlehead, Rose Turtlehead, Purple Turtlehead, Red Balmony, Lyon's Turtlehead, Appalachian Turtlehead.
- Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family), formerly placed in Plantaginaceae (Plantain family).
- Taxonomic Rank: Varieties mentioned include Chelone obliqua var. speciosa and Chelone obliqua var. obliqua and Chelone obliqua var. erwiniae.
- Synonyms: The text mentions Chelone lyonii as a similar species and uses common names interchangeably, suggesting a close relationship.
Distribution and Habitat
- The Red Turtlehead is a native wildflower found in wetland environments.
- It occurs naturally from Minnesota to Florida.
- It has been collected in New England only from forests in Massachusetts, where it is considered non-native.
- It is state rare (S1) and listed as state threatened in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland, where it is found in freshwater swamps.
Morphological Characteristics 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, which are described as deep pink and snapdragon-like.
- The flowers have an upper lip that arches over the lower lip, resembling a turtle's head.
- 'Tiny Tortuga' variety grows to 18-24 inches tall and 12-16 inches wide.
- 'Hot Lips' variety has lustrous, deep green foliage and red stems.
- The plant can grow to heights of 30 inches.
Historical and Traditional Uses
- Turtlehead leaves have been used in herbal lore.
Quirky Facts
- The genus name Chelone comes from a woman of Greek Mythology who was associated with turtles.
- There is a contest to find and photograph a RED TURTLEHEAD plant within the Town of Chesapeake Beach boundaries and win 2 large pizzas.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chelone obliqua.
- The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database contains information and images of the plant.
- Encyclopedia of Life includes articles about Chelone obliqua var. speciosa.