Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Turtlehead is named for its pretty white blossoms which resemble a turtle head poking out from its shell. It is the host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot and 4 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org) including the threatened Saunders' Sallow Moth (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). Turtlehead is also a nectar source for other butterflies, bumblebees, and Ruby-Throated hummingbirds. If it is in the right place it will slowly spread by rhizomes.
Photo credit: Kevin Kenny (1), John Blair (2)
Turtlehead is named for its pretty white blossoms which resemble a turtle head poking out from its shell. It is the host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot and 4 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org) including the threatened Saunders' Sallow Moth (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). Turtlehead is also a nectar source for other butterflies, bumblebees, and Ruby-Throated hummingbirds. If it is in the right place it will slowly spread by rhizomes.
Photo credit: Kevin Kenny (1), John Blair (2)
Turtlehead is named for its pretty white blossoms which resemble a turtle head poking out from its shell. It is the host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot and 4 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org) including the threatened Saunders' Sallow Moth (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). Turtlehead is also a nectar source for other butterflies, bumblebees, and Ruby-Throated hummingbirds. If it is in the right place it will slowly spread by rhizomes.
Photo credit: Kevin Kenny (1), John Blair (2)
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Moisture: Wet to Medium-wet to Medium
Height: 5 feet
Plant Spacing: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: July-September
Bloom Color: White
Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Great landscaping plant
Host Plant: Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly and 4 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: Possibly Saunders' Sallow Moth (Sympistis saundersiana) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)
Complementary Plants: Common Ironweed, Cardinal Flower, Blue Lobelia, Wingstem
