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Jessie Keith
Scrophulariaceae
CHELONE lyonii
Lyon's Turtlehead, Pink Turtlehead
Native to regions along the Appalachian Mountains, which extend from the southeastern to northeastern United States, Lyon’s turtlehead is an upright perennial grown for its stems topped with clusters of two-lipped, tubular, rose or purple-pink flowers. Wild populations can be found growing in rich, moist soils in open forests and along stream banks.
Deep green, opposite, lance-shaped leaves line the tall stems of this pleasing woodland native. In late summer and autumn the turtle head-like flowers appear atop stiff, upright stems. The flowers are visited by insect and hummingbird pollinators and papery brown seed capsules follow.
Grow Lyon’s turtlehead in full sun to partial shade and provide with moist, fertile soil that's neutral to slightly acid. Its clumps spread slowly and should be divided every few years or so in early spring or late fall. Mulch in mid-spring with compost or leaf mold. This is a pretty, late-season bloomer ideal for mixed borders and moist wildflower gardens. It provides great garden color when many other perennials have slowed down.
9 - 3
4 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
24"-28" / 61.0cm - 71.1cm
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
Northeastern United States, Southeastern United States
Acidic, Neutral
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water, Ample Water
Clump-Forming
Summer, Fall
Showy
Purple, Pink, Rose
Green, Dark Green
No
Single
Medium
Matte
Mixed Border, Wildflower
Hummingbirds
Yes
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