// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Purple turtlehead

Chelone obliqua var. speciosa

Purple turtlehead (Chelone obliqua var. speciosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 2b–8a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jul–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 18 U.S. states, including AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–8a
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: Jul–Oct
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Purple turtlehead (Chelone obliqua var. speciosa) — *Chelone obliqua var. speciosa* — Purple turtlehead. Photo via iNaturalist — (c) Anne Parker, some rights reserved (CC BY).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Purple turtlehead (Chelone obliqua var. speciosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 2b–8a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jul–Oct.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, purple turtlehead pairs naturally with: American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa).