Chelone Glabra Tried and True Native Plant Selections White Turtlehead for the Mid-Atlantic

Chelone glabra Tried and True Native Plant Selections White Turtlehead for the Mid-Atlantic

This robust native perennial occurs frequently throughout the Mid-Atlantic in moist woods, swamps, and stream banks. With snapdragon-like ﬂowers, which resemble turtle heads, the plant is named for Chelone (rhymes with “baloney”), a nymph of Greek mythology who was punished by being turned into a tortoise.

Perennial Clump and Close-ups of Flowers

Height: 1–4 feet

Spread: 1½ –2½ feet

Bloom Color: White, tinged with pink/lavender

Characteristics

Clump-forming herbaceous perennial

Sharply toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves on stout, erect stems

Showy hooded, two-lipped white ﬂowers in tight spike-like racemes from July to October

Ovoid seed capsules

Attributes

Tolerates erosion, wet soil, temporary ﬂooding

No serious pests or diseases

Deer occasionally severely damage

Staking usually not needed except in excess shade

Attracts bumble bees, butterﬂies, hummingbirds;

larval host for Baltimore Checkerspot butterﬂy

Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for

Soil Requirements: Humus-rich Lysimachia clethroides - Gooseneck Loosestrife

Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade

Water Requirements: Moist, Wet

Maintain good air circulation and soil moisture to prevent mildew; mulch in sunny areas

Pinch back stems in spring to reduce plant height, especially if grown in shade

Use in shade, woodland, bog, or rain gardens

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8

developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Bob Kline (left) and by Elaine Mills, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Longwood Gardens

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