White Turtlehead

White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

White Turtlehead is a striking, clump-forming native perennial with distinctive white flowers shaped like a turtle’s head, blooming from late summer into fall. This wetland-loving plant thrives in moist to wet soils and is often found along streambanks, in meadows, and in rain gardens. White Turtlehead plays a crucial role in supporting specific wildlife, most notably the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, which relies on it as a larval host plant. Its late-season blooms provide an important nectar source for pollinators when other plants are fading.

Key Characteristics:

• Larval Host for Baltimore Checkerspot: White Turtlehead is the primary larval host plant for the endangered Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. The caterpillars feed on its leaves, making it a critical species for butterfly conservation efforts.

• Late-Season Nectar Source: Blooming from late summer through fall, White Turtlehead provides a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when many other flowers have finished blooming.

• Thrives in Wet Soils: This perennial thrives in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, wet meadows, streambanks, and other areas with consistent moisture. It tolerates standing water, making it perfect for flood-prone landscapes or water’s edge planting.

• Erosion Control: With its deep root system, White Turtlehead is an excellent choice for streambank stabilization and erosion control, helping to secure soil in wetter environments.

• Deer Resistant: The bitter-tasting leaves of White Turtlehead make it unappealing to deer, allowing it to grow unbothered in areas where deer browsing is a concern.

Product Details:

• Native range: Eastern and Central North America
• Plant life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Moist to wet soils
• Mature height: 2-4 feet
• Bloom time: Late summer to fall
• Bloom color: White
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-8

White Turtlehead is an essential plant for native pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and streambank restoration projects. Its ability to support endangered species, thrive in wet soils, and resist deer make it a valuable addition to any ecologically focused landscape.