SafePlants

Red Turtlehead, Pink Turtlehead, or Rose Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)

Considerations for Children:

• The text mentions that the flowers "look like a turtle's head with its mouth open" and "delight children," implying its presence in gardens frequented by children.
• The plant produces "snapdragon-like flowers," which may be tempting for children to pick and play with.

Common Names:

• Red turtlehead
• Pink turtlehead
• Rose turtlehead
• Lyon's turtlehead (for Chelone lyonii)
• Appalachian Turtlehead (for Chelone lyonii)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Chelone obliqua
• Family: Figwort family (mentioned in relation to Chelone lyonii)
• Chelone lyonii is mentioned as related, also known as pink turtlehead or Lyon's turtlehead

Distribution and Habitat:

• Chelone obliqua is a native wildflower.
• The Pink Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is described as a rare native of rich woodlands in the mountains of the southeastern United States.
• They are also found near stream edges and swampy areas.
• It is cultivated widely and introduced in New England, where it grows outside its native range.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits:

• Herbaceous perennial plant.
• Forms an upright, bushy mound of green foliage.
• Mature height of 2 to 3 feet (Chelone obliqua).
• Spread of 1 foot (Chelone obliqua).
• Chelone obliqua flowers are described as Rosy purple, pink, or white.
• Chelone lyonii 'Hot Lips' has lustrous, deep green foliage and red stems.
• Stems are described as rounded.
• Flowers bloom mid-late summer and resemble the shape of a turtle's head.
• Produces large, interesting flowers in a terminal raceme atop a 2-4 ft. stem.
• Snapdragon-like flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

• Pink Turtlehead requires a bumblebee to push its way into the flower in order to get the nectar.

Quirky Facts:

• The genus name Chelone comes from a woman of Greek Mythology who the gods transformed.
• Flowers resemble turtle heads.

Further Information:

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens.
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Chelone lyonii.
• Wikimedia Commons has files available related to Pink Turtlehead.