Chelone glabra (Turtlehead)

Chelone glabra, commonly referred to as turtlehead or white turtlehead, is a native perennial named for its uniquely-shaped showy white flowers, which some say resemble the head of a turtle. Turtlehead commonly grows to about 2-3' tall though it can occasionally reach heights of up to 6' once established; turtlehead tends to form small clumps 1-2' in width. Chelone glabra is capable of slowly spreading through an area by way of its rhizomatic roots, and these thick roots can also help in wetland restoration and erosion control. Beyond its wildlife rehabilitation uses, Chelone glabra's white, turtle-head-shaped flowers bloom from mid summer into the early fall, and are attractive to a wide variety of pollinators, but especially hummingbirds and butterflies, including the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly which is considered rare in Maryland.

White turtlehead is typically found in swamps, marshes, shorelines of ponds and creeks, and other naturally wetter areas with full sun, so in the home landscape, it prefers medium-moist to wet soils with good organic content, and grows best in acidic, well-draining sites. White turtlehead's flowers can occasionally be pink tinged, adding additional ornamental appeal, and these blooms contrast beautifully with thick, glossy, dark green foliages through the growing season. Chelone glabra is a late season flower and, as such, is late to emerge in the spring, so if you don't see new buds developing in March, April, or even May, don't panic!

Closely related to other species of turtlehead, Chelone glabra is even more tolerant of wet conditions than its relatives C. lyonii (pink turtlehead) and C. obliqua (red turtlehead).