Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Plantaginaceae

Genus:

Chelone

Species:

Chelone lyonii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

4-6 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug, sep, oct

Bloom Colors:

Purple

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Prefers habitats like stream banks and wet meadows.

Germination Information