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red turtlehead

Scientific Name: Chelone obliqua var. speciosa

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: AR (rose turtlehead), KY (rose turtlehead)

       

Red Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)

Chelone obliqua, commonly known as Red Turtlehead, Pink Turtlehead, or Rose Turtlehead, is a captivating herbaceous perennial wildflower.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions "Turtlehead Peak" which might be misinterpreted as being directly related to the plant itself. Make sure not to confuse hiking peaks with the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chelone obliqua L.
  • Common Names: Red Turtlehead, Pink Turtlehead, Rose Turtlehead, Purple Turtlehead.
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family), formerly placed in Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family).
  • Synonyms/Variations: Chelone obliqua var. speciosa, Chelone obliqua var. obliqua, Chelone obliqua var. erwiniae.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Red Turtlehead is native to North America.
  • It naturally occurs from Minnesota to Florida.
  • It is considered non-native in New England, with collections reported from forests in Massachusetts.
  • It thrives in wet woods and freshwater swamps.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Chelone obliqua is an erect, herbaceous perennial.
  • It features rounded stems and toothed, dark green leaves.
  • The plant produces purple or dark pink flowers in late summer.
  • The flowers are distinctive, with 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.
  • Cleone oblique can grow to 30 inches in height.

Ecological Role

  • The text mentions "invasive species" in a general context, without specifically labeling Chelone obliqua as such. However, its non-native status in certain regions (e.g., New England) could suggest potential for invasive behavior, and may be worth monitoring locally.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name Chelone is derived from a woman in Greek Mythology who was transformed by the gods.
  • The common name "Turtlehead" comes from the unique shape of the flower, which resembles a turtle’s head, with the upper lip arching over the lower lip.
  • There is an alba variety that has white flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The flowers are known to attract pollinators.

Traditional and Modern Uses

  • Historically, the leaves of turtlehead plants have been used in herbal remedies.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden