Chelone glabra

Common Name: Turtlehead
 
Soil: Wet-Mesic  Wet  
Height: 2 ft - 5 ft
Blooming: Jul Aug Sep

Can be grown in rich, mesic soil, but will likely require watering during droughts. Spreads by rhizomes, but is not aggressive. The flowers are primarily pollinated by bumblebees, but also attract other larger bees and hummingbirds. This, and False Foxgloves (Aureolaria ssp.), are the preferred hosts for the uncommon Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton). After overwintering on the host plant, the caterpillars become more generalist feeders. The foliage is bitter and rarely eaten by mammals.

All photos Copyright © 2024 Hidden Savanna NurseryChelone glabraChelone glabra