Turtlehead

About Turtlehead

White Turtlehead is a distinctive wetland perennial named for its unique, hooded white flowers that bear a striking resemblance to a turtle's head. Growing 2 to 4 feet tall, this clump-forming plant features dark green, lance-shaped leaves and sturdy stems that hold the blossoms upright from late summer through early fall. Native to wet meadows, stream banks, and swamps across eastern North America, it is a critical plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, serving as its primary larval host. The nectar-rich flowers are also a favorite of bumblebees, who are strong enough to pry open the petals to reach the rewards inside. In the garden, White Turtlehead is a perfect choice for rain gardens, pond edges, or any consistently moist, sunny to partly shaded spot. It prefers rich, humusy soil and will not tolerate drying out. Its late-season bloom provides essential resources for pollinators when many other flowers have faded, making it a valuable addition to any habitat-focused landscape.