Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Turtlehead's creamy white flowers stack along upright stems and pop against the dark green foliage, resembling a snapdragon but much more robust. Native to southeastern Wisconsin wetlands, stream edges, and moist woodlands, Turtlehead is happiest in soils that are consistently moist.

Growing Conditions

Light: Part shade to full sun (with consistent moisture)
Soil: Moist to wet, rich soil preferred
Height: 2–4 feet
Spread: 2–3 feet, clump-forming, slowly spreading
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: August through September

Wildlife Value

White Turtlehead is a host plant for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly, making it especially valuable beyond its flowers. The blooms are also well-used by bumblebees, which are strong enough to pry open the flower structure to access nectar.

Blooms Alongside

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Sweet Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum), Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana), Prairie ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata), Rose milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis

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