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Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Guide to Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife < Chelone lyonii
Turtlehead is an attractive native wildflower which is an excellent choice for moist spots in the landscape. Its brilliant pink flowers with fuzzy yellow insides (reminiscent of bearded irises) are interesting to stoop down to peer into, and no one could miss the resemblance to a turtle’s head peeking out from its shell. They are an excellent late-season bloomer and flower from mid-summer to fall, attracting butterflies the entire time. In addition, the unique checkerboard-colored caterpillars that snack on the foliage of the plant come as an added visual bonus. Turtlehead is entirely appropriate for mass plantings, and they truly look astonishing in pockets along the banks of a creek.
The most important tip to remember with this plant is that it relishes moisture. This makes it perfect for the water gardener, those with water on their properties, or a large container that isn’t allowed to become too dry. Also, pinching helps promote more compact, stronger stems when plantings are in deep shade.
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort)
Turtlehead bears oval, dark green leaves. Bright pink turtlehead-shaped flowers emerge in late summer and last until fall. Flowers are 1” long with a prominent rib on the top, while the lower lip is bearded with golden yellow hairs. Plants die back in the fall.
2 to 4 feet
Herbaceous perennial
Moderate
Sun to partial shade
Plant in rich, moist soil. Turtlehead is an excellent choice near creeks, ponds, or water gardens. It is of utmost importance to keep the plant moist. Compost-amended soil as well as a good layer of mulch may be necessary in sunny areas, but are less important in shade plantings.
Turtlehead bears spikes of bright pink flowers shaped like a turtle’s head, hence the common name.
This plant works best in mass plantings where the pink blooms hold their own. It also works well as an accent to taller shrubs or as part of a color-themed garden.
Host plant for Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, whose caterpillar is colored like a black-and-white checkerboard. Nectariferous insects such as butterflies and honeybees frequent the plant during late summer for a quick snack.
Eastern woodlands, especially in the Blue Ridge area, where rich, moist soil is available, such as near creeks or springs
Stratified seed
Text by Kevin Tarner, Georgia Wildlife Federation
Photos courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plantfinder
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