// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Turtlehead

Chelone glabra

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae) family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jul–Sep.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 30 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–8a
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: Jul–Sep
Wildlife value: High — pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: wetland butterfly host · Baltimore checkerspot · turtlehead blooms

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) — *Chelone glabra* — Turtlehead. Photo by Mason Brock (Masebrock) via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae) family. Native range includes AR, MO. Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jul–Sep.

Why it's on this list: wetland butterfly host · Baltimore checkerspot · turtlehead blooms. 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, turtlehead pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).