Chelone glabra, commonly known as White Turtlehead, is a native perennial that thrives in wetland areas, bringing unique charm to the late summer and fall garden with its snapdragon-like white flowers shaped like a turtle’s head. Its upright stems bear dark green, lance-shaped leaves, making it an attractive backdrop for the distinctive blooms. This hardy plant is perfect for moist, shady areas and is highly valued for its ability to attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. White Turtlehead is often used in rain gardens, along streams, and in naturalized settings, providing both beauty and ecological benefits.
| Plant Type |
Perennials |
| Hardiness Zone |
Zones 3 - 8 |
| Exposure |
Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Summer, Fall |
| Height | 2' - 4' (ft) |
| Spread | 2' - 4' (ft) |
| Spacing |
1' - 2' (ft) |
| Water Needs |
Low |
| Maintenance |
Low |
| Soil Type |
Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH |
Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage |
Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics |
Great Foliage, Showy |
| Tolerance |
Cold, Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil |
| Attracts |
Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators |
| Garden Uses |
Beds and Borders, Mass Planting, Rain Gardens |
Chelone glabra, White Turtlehead | Chelone chlorantha, Chelone glabra var. chlorantha, Chelone glabra var. dilatata, Chelone glabra var. elatior, Chelone glabra var. elongata, Chelone glabra var. linifolia, Chelone glabra var. ochroleuca, Chelone glabra var. typica, Chelone montana || Chelone glabra, commonly known as White Turtlehead, is a native perennial that thrives in wetland areas, bringing unique charm to the late summer and fall garden with its snapdragon-like white flowers shaped like a turtle’s head. Its upright stems bear dark green, lance-shaped leaves, making it an attractive backdrop for the distinctive blooms. This hardy plant is perfect for moist, shady areas and is highly valued for its ability to attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. White Turtlehead is often used in rain gardens, along streams, and in naturalized settings, providing both beauty and ecological benefits.
Partial Sun, Shade,
Summer, Fall,
Low Water Needs, Low Maintenance, Moist but Well-Drained,
Great Foliage, Showy,
Cold Tolerant, Deer Tolerant, Rabbit Tolerant, Wet Soil Tolerant,
Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Beds and Borders, Mass Planting, Rain Gardens
