Chelone glabra Black AceTurtlehead
科:玄参科
Family:Scrophulariaceae
common name:Turtlehead
introduce:Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: August - October
Bloom Color: White
Sun: Part shade (only)
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
General Culture:
Best grown in medium wet to wet, rich, humusy soils in part shade. Appreciates a good composted leaf mulch. Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height, especially if growing plants in strongly shaded areas where the are more likely to need some support. In optimum environments, however, staking is usually not required. Slowly spreads by rhizomes.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Black Ace is a tall, dark-leaved cultivar of the Missouri native species (see J780). Typically grows 3-4 tall, but may reach 6 in optimum growing conditions. Hooded, snapdragon-like, two-lipped, white flowers (to 1" long) appear in tight, spike-like terminal racemes from late summer into fall. Flowers purportedly resemble the heads of open-mouthed turtles. Coarsely-toothed, broadly lance-shaped leaves (to 6" long) emerge very dark green with a blackish cast but generally will lighten to a dark green by mid-summer.
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. Good border plant as long as soil moisture requirements can be met.
