White Turtlehead
Chelone glabra

Height: 3-4 ft
Spread: 1-2 ft
Bloom Time: August-October
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
​Life Cycle: Perennial

White Turtlehead has large 1 inch long white or pink-tinged flowers that are primarily pollinated by bumblebees. The distinct tubular shape allows them to reach nectar/pollen when other insects can't. White Turtlehead's nectar contains aucubin and catalpol, special chemicals that act as a natural medicine for bees, helping them reduce parasites. The leaves are also used as a larval host plant for Common Buckeye and Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies. This species does well in both open areas and in wooded sites with scattered sunlight. It prefers wet areas, including creeks, streams ponds, ditches, and wet meadows.