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White Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
PerennialWhite Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Moist – Wet
Soil
Clay, Loam, Sand
Size
2-3'
Bloom
White, Jul–Sep
Why Grow It
Rain Garden
Thrives in wet areas & manages runoff
Shade Tolerant
Grows well in partial to full shade
Did You Know?
The only larval host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, a species of conservation concern.
Named because the flower looks exactly like a turtle's head with its mouth open.
Only strong bumblebees can force open the closed flowers to reach the nectar inside.
Wildlife Value
🦋
Baltimore Checkerspot Host
Essential breeding habitat for this rare and beautiful butterfly
🐝
Bumblebee Specialist
Flowers require the strength of bumblebees to pry open for pollination
Good Companions
💧 Cardinal Flower
🌾 Blue Vervain
🍃 Lady Fern
Planting Guide
- Plant in consistently moist to wet soil — perfect near streams or rain gardens
- Part shade to full shade works best; it tolerates sun only if soil stays moist
- Pinch stems in early June to encourage bushier growth and more blooms
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li