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white turtlehead

Scientific Name: Chelone glabra

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: NY (turtle-heads)

       

White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Chelone glabra, commonly known as white turtlehead, is a captivating herbaceous perennial wildflower native to the United States and Canada. Its unique flower shape and ecological importance make it a valuable addition to gardens and natural landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions no known hazards for Chelone glabra.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions no known hazards for Chelone glabra.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chelone glabra L.
  • Common Name: White Turtlehead
  • Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae - Figwort family)
  • Synonyms: Chelone obliqua alba

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the eastern parts of North America, including the United States and Canada.
  • Frequently found in moist environments such as moist woods, thickets, stream banks, swamps, bogs, and wetland margins.
  • Observed in locations like the Adirondacks.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Herbaceous perennial with an upright, bushy growth habit.
  • Typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet.
  • Features tight terminal clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers resembling turtle heads. The flowers are usually white, often with a lavender or pink tinge.
  • Leaves are opposite, simple, lanceolate, and toothed, measuring 2 1/2 to 6 inches long. They are sessile or nearly so.
  • Stems are square.

Ecological Role

  • Important host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly, providing larval food.
  • Attracts pollinators such as bumblebees and hummingbirds.
  • Deer resistant.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant's common name, "turtlehead," is derived from the unique shape of its flowers, which resemble a turtle's head poking out of its shell.

Cultivation

  • Adaptable to garden conditions, especially when well-watered during dry periods.
  • Grows well in moist meadows and stream banks.
  • Suitable for rain gardens.
  • Can be planted in half shade or full sun.

Further Information

  • Toadshade Wildflower Farm in Frenchtown, NJ, specializes in native perennials and offers Chelone glabra.
  • Available at Lowes.com.
  • Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic.