Table of Contents for Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is a herbaceous perennial that grows in wet places such as floodplains, swamps, and ditches. It is the host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot. This plant can be purchased in the McMullen House Bed & Breakfast Garden Shop.
Taxonomy and History of Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Taxonomy
Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) was originally described by Carl Von Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum. It has kept this name since. This species is a member of the Plantain Family (Plataginaceae).
Physical Description and Alternative Names
Description
This plant is a herbaceous perennial that grows from 2 to 3 feet tall. The opposite, simple, serrated leaves range from 3 to 6 inches in length and 1 to 3 inches in width.
Alternative Names
This plant is also known by White Turtlehead and Chelone.
Range and Habitat
Range
This species is found in eastern North America, except Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
Habitat
It is generally found growing in wet areas such floodplains, swamps, and ditches.
Host Species
This plant is the host for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton). Two other sawflies and a flea beetle also use this plant for food (Wikipedia).
Other Wildlife Value
This plant is a favored browse plant by deer.
Interesting Facts
The genus name, Chelone, is Greek for tortoise. (Missouri Botanical Garden).