Turtlehead

Chelone Obliqua

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Overview

Chelone obliqua, commonly called Turtlehead, is a herbaceous perennial boasting tightly-clustered, deep pink blossoms resembling a turtle's head. Thriving in zones 3-8, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads 2 feet wide. Preferring moist, fertile soil and partial shade, it's ideal for rain gardens or woodland borders. Blooms appear late summer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, and deep green. Requires minimal maintenance once established.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater High, MediumZones 3–9Climate Temperate

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — commonly called Turtlehead

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — commonly called Turtlehead

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — deep pink blossoms resembling a turtle's head

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Thriving in zones 3-8, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads 2 feet wide

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, and deep green

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Preferring moist, fertile soil and partial shade, it's ideal for rain gardens or woodland borders

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Blooms appear late summer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds

Culture

Sun: Full, Half, Shade
Water: High, Medium
USDA zones: 3–9

Shape & size

Mature height: 2–3 Ft.
Mature width: 1–2 Ft.

Classification

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (71)

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — is a herbaceous perennial boasting tightly-clustered

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — commonly called Turtlehead

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — deep pink blossoms resembling a turtle's head

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Thriving in zones 3-8, it reaches 2-3 feet in height and spreads 2 feet wide

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Foliage is lance-shaped, glossy, and deep green

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Preferring moist, fertile soil and partial shade, it's ideal for rain gardens or woodland borders

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Blooms appear late summer to fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — is a perennial flowering plant native to the moist woodlands and stream banks of North America

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Requires minimal maintenance once established

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — scientifically known as Chelone obliqua

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — reaching a mature height of approximately 2 to 3 feet and spreading roughly 1 to 2 feet wide

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — The unique common name arises from its distinctive flowers

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — clump-forming beauty is a focal point in any garden

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — which closely resemble the head of a turtle with an open mouth

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — hence the term "turtlehead."<br><br>Bearing blooms from late summer to early fall

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — Turtlehead flowers are noted for their rich pink to rose-purple color

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — although cultivars may offer shades of white as well

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — These blooms grow along the top of the erect

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — presenting a striking contrast against the lush

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — It prefers fertile, humus-rich soil that is well-draining, yet moisture-retentive

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — which grow up to 6 inches long.<br><br>Best planted in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — but it is also an important nectar source for pollinators

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — including the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly which relies on it as a host plant for its larvae

Turtlehead (Chelone Obliqua) — particularly late-season butterflies

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