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colorful fall leaves of rhus aromatica
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Lo’ (Fragrant Sumac) Photo © Mary Free
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Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead)

Chelone glabra
Immature, 1/2’’ long septicidal capsules of Chelone glabra (white turtlehead) in September.

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Chelone glabra White Turtlehead Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic With snapdragon-like flowers, which resemble turtle heads, this robust native* perennial is named for Chelone (rhymes with “baloney”), a nymph of Greek mythology who was punished for her insolence by being turned into a tortoise. The Virginia Native Plant Society named White Turtlehead as Wildflower of the Year in 2024. Perennial Clump, Close-ups of Flowers, Fruit Height: 1–4 feet Spread: 11⁄2 –21⁄2 feet Bloom Color: White, tinged with pink/lavender Characteristics Clump-forming herbaceous perennial Opposite, sharply-toothed, linear to lanceolate, dark green leaves on stout, erect stems Spikes of showy, hooded, bilabiate (two-lipped), white flowers with whitish beards July to October Ovoid seed capsules September to December Attributes Tolerates erosion, wet soil, temporary flooding No serious pests or diseases Deer occasionally severely damage Staking usually not needed except in excess shade Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds; larval host for ~3 lepidopterans, incl. Baltimore Checkerspot Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Humus-rich Antirrhinum majus - Snapdragon (fall-blooming) Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Lysimachia clethroides - Gooseneck Loosestrife Water Requirements: Moist, Wet Physostegia virginiana - Obedient Plant (native but aggressive) Maintain good air circulation and soil moisture to prevent mildew; mulch in sunny areas Pinch back stems in spring to reduce plant height, especially if grown in shade Use in pollinator, shade, woodland, or rain gardens *It is native to DC, common in DE, present in most MD counties and in all PA counties, and is frequent throughout VA. Hardiness: USDA Zones 3a–8b developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Robert Kline (left) and Elaine Mills, Meadowlark Botanical and Longwood (top flower) Gardens

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
 for the Mid-Atlantic

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Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead)

With snapdragon-like flowers, which resemble turtle heads, this robust native* perennial is named for Chelone (rhymes with “baloney”), a nymph of Greek mythology who was punished for her insolence by being turned into a tortoise. The Virginia Native Plant Society named White Turtlehead  Wildflower of the Year in 2024.

*It is native to DC, common in DE, present in most MD counties and in all PA counties, and is frequent throughout VA. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

Video © Mary Free
This video requires no introduction, but if you don’t grow Chelone in your garden, maybe it will inspire you to plant some. Pink turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is featured in this video. Chelone glabra (white turtlehead) is the primary host for Baltimore checkerspot butterflies. Learn more about Pollinators.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets