Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead)

Chelone glabra is known as the White Turtlehead, a native that thrives in moist to wet soils and sunny to partly shaded habitats. Its upright stems bear lance-shaped leaves and clusters of hooded, snapdragon-like white flowers (occasionally tinged light pink at the tips) in late summer to fall. The tubular flowers resemble the head of a turtle, which gives the plant its common name.

White turtlehead tolerates both sun and shade, especially where consistent soil moisture is available. They can even tolerate seasonal flooding, and are an excellent species for boggy sites. Plants in our garden tolerate an average, well-draining moisture in partial shade. In full sun, this species will need more moisture. They are not drought tolerant.

Chelone glabra is best known as the primary host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton), whose larvae feed on its foliage. The tubular flowers are also an important nectar source for long-tongued bees, who climb inside the long tubes to reach nectar and pollen, often leaving their butts exposed out of the blooms. The flowers are also visited occasionally by butterflies and hummingbirds. Its bloom period provides a late-season nectar supply when many perennials are finishing.

This species is lightly rhizomatous, and will form an attractive colony over time. With its combination of unique beauty, adaptability, and a strong ecological role, white turtlehead is a keystone wildflower for moist gardens and natural areas.