Chelone glabraTurtlehead
科:玄参科
Family:Scrophulariaceae
common name:Turtlehead
introduce:Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Missouri Native: Yes
Native Range: United States
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
Bloom Time: August - October
Bloom Color: White with pink tinge
Sun: Part shade (only)
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
General Culture:
Best grown in moist to wet, rich, humusy soils in part shade. Appreciates a good composted leaf mulch, particularly in sunny areas. Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height, especially if growing plants in strongly shaded areas where they are more likely to need some support. In optimum environments, however, staking is usually not required.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This species of turtlehead is a stiffly erect, clump-forming, leafy-stemmed, Missouri native perennial which typically grows 2-3 tall and occurs in moist woods, swampy areas and along streams mostly in the southeastern part of the State. Hooded, snapdragon-like, two-lipped, white flowers with a tinge of pink appear in tight, spike-like terminal racemes from late summer into autumn. Flowers purportedly resemble turtle heads. Coarsely-toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Synonymous with C. obliqua Alba.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to mildew, particularly if soils are kept on the dry side and/or air circulation is poor. If grown in too much shade, plants may need some support.
Uses:
Shade or woodland gardens. Bog gardens. Pond or water garden peripheries. Wildflower or native plant gardens. Borders as long as the soil moisture requirements can be met.
