Chelone glabra | white turtlehead

White Turtlehead is native to moist prairies, streambanks, and woodlands throughout most of eastern North America. The white penstemon-like flowers are a delight to pollinators when they rise above the dark green bushy foliage in late summer.

Easy to grow in the garden in humus-rich, medium to wet soil in full sun to partial shade. Slowly spreads by rhizome.

Host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, whose larvae feed on the leaves.

Zones: 3 to 8
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 24 to 36 in.
Spread: 18 to 30 in.
Exposure: part-shade
Soil Conditions: moist
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Color: White To Light Pink
Native Range: midwest and eastern United States