White Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © hanna-a (iNaturalist #94825186)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Plantaginaceae
- Genus:
- Chelone
- Species:
- Chelone glabra
- USDA Symbol:
- CHGL2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Papaipema nepheleptena, satyr pug (Eupithecia satyrata), Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Half-black bumble (Bombus vagans) Hummingbirds: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Butterflies:Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, organic soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers wetland areas like marshes and stream banks
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; surface sow on moist medium.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds may require light for germination.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Wild Seed Project (seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)