White Turtlehead (Chelone Glabra)

White Turtlehead

Features and Characteristics

Chelone glabra, commonly called turtlehead, is a stiffly erect, clump-forming, leafy-stemmed, Missouri native perennial which typically grows 2-3′ tall and occurs in moist woods, swampy areas and along streams mostly in the southeastern part of the State. Hooded, snapdragon-like, two-lipped, white flowers with a tinge of pink appear in tight, spike-like terminal racemes from late summer into autumn. Flowers purportedly resemble turtle heads. Coarsely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves.

Genus name comes from the Greek word chelone meaning tortoise in reference to the turtlehead shape of the flowers.

Specific epithet means without hairs.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in moist to wet, rich, humusy soils in part shade. Appreciates a good composted leaf mulch, particularly in sunny areas. Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height, especially if growing plants in strongly shaded areas where they are more likely to need some support. In optimum environments, however, staking is usually not required. Slowly spreads by rhizomes.

White Turtlehead (Chelone Glabra) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Sun light	Part Shade
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to mildew, particularly if soils are kept on the dry side and/or air circulation is poor. If grown in too much shade, plants may need some support.

Uses

Shade or woodland gardens. Bog gardens. Pond or water garden peripheries. Wildflower or native plant gardens. Borders as long as the soil moisture requirements can be met.

White Turtlehead (Chelone Glabra) Details

Common name	White Turtlehead
Botanical name	Chelone Glabra
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Plantaginaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Water	Medium To Wet
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White With Pink Tinge
Flowering period	August - Oc- Ber
Height	2 - 3 Ft.
Width	1.50 To 2.50 Feet