Chelone glabra - Turtlehead

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3-9, 36" x 24", full sun to light shade, white bloom in summer, nice dark green foliage, enjoys wet feet and prefers consistent moisture, acidic and nutritious soils

Common names: White Turtlehead, Balmony

Family: Plantaginaceae (Go Botany)

Origin/Distribution: Newfoundland to Minnesota, south to Georgia and northeastern Arkansas, native to Maine

Habitat: moist, open woods, wet edges: pond, stream, swamp, bog, brushy marshes, wet ditch, low and damp meadows and fields

More: The blooms resemble little turtle heads hence the common name. Attracts pollinators and is a host plant for various butterflies, spreads by rhizome, deer and rabbit resistant. A larval host for the Baltimore Checkerspot, Euphydryas phaeton. which is native to Maine. The leaves have been used medicinally in teas and ointments. The young shoots can be parboiled, sautéed until tender in grease, and eaten.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credit: R.A. Nonenmacher through Creative Commons