Chelone glabra

White turtlehead

This is a moisture loving U.S. native that adds a splash of white to shady gardens or damp areas in late summer. 

The showy blooms appear in clustered spikes atop multi-stemmed plants and with their protruding and hooded form, the flowers resemble a turtles head emerging from its shell. Chelone is Greek for tortoise and unlike their reptile namesake the plants prefer rich, moist soil that doesn't dry out. 

Plants  thrive in part shade to full sun as long as there is adequate moisture. 

Any of the Turtleheads make an excellent accent specimen in the naturalistic garden, alongside ponds or streams and gloomy damp areas. The foliage is deer resistant.

Photo: Superior National Forest [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

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£ 6.50