Jesse Saylor
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name
CHELONE glabra
Plant Common Name
Smooth Turtlehead
General Description
The two-lipped, pinkish white flowers of smooth turtlehead appear in spiky terminal clusters in mid to late summer. This long-stemmed perennial wildflower can be found in marshes, moist meadows and open forests along the eastern half of North America, from Georgia up to Newfoundland. Hardiness, tolerance to moisture and wild beauty make this a good garden flower for informal or naturalistic gardens.
The tall, upright stems of smooth turtlehead are lined with lance-shaped, opposite leaves of deep green. Plants spread via creeping rhizomes to form substantial clumps which are fully herbaceous, meaning they die back to the ground each year. Clusters of pinkish white or white flowers shaped like turtle's heads appear late in summer. These are pollinated by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and the foliage is the larval food source for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton).
Smooth turtlehead thrives in sites with full to partial sun and moist to saturated, fertile ground. Plants tend to spread and may need to be divided every few years or so. This is a super selection for moist, shaded wildflower gardens or informal borders. One garden-worthy cultivated form is the tall, dark-leaved 'Black Ace.'
Characteristics
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bog Garden, Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
