Plant Names
Chelone glabra
White Turtlehead
Galane glabre
Synonyms
snakehead
Plant Characteristics
Bloom Colour: White
Bloom Period: Aug - Oct
Max Height: 5.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates wet soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Does not spread uncontrollably
Spreads by rhizome
Landscape Uses:
Suitable for wetland garden
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Suitable for school gardens
Ecological Benefits:
No ecological benefits information available.
Tolerates:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
Seed and plant distribution status
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Fun Facts
White Turtlehead has upright stems and unusual white, snapdragon-like flowers that resemble turtle heads. It blooms from late summer into fall. It naturally grows in wet meadows, marshes, stream edges, and moist woodlands. It prefers consistently moist soil. Its upright habit makes it excellent for damp perennial borders. It requires reliable moisture for best growth. It forms clumps and can be divided in spring. Avoid dry locations.
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Distribution according to VASCAN
Ephemeral
Native
Introduced
Excluded
Extirpated
Doubtful
Absent
Thrives in Ecozones
- Atlantic Maritime
- Boreal Plains
- Boreal Shield
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Chelone glabra
-
Euphydryas phaeton
Baltimore Checkerspot - Baltimore
Specialized Bees Supported by Chelone glabra
No bee data available for this plant.
Complementary Plants
- Gentiana andrewsii
Closed Bottle Gentian
Gentiane d'Andrews - Geum rivale
Water Avens
Benoîte des ruisseaux - Iris versicolor
Harlequin Blue Flag Iris
Iris versicolore - Scirpus pendulus
Hanging Bulrush
Scirpe pendant - Scutellaria lateriflora
Mad-dog Skullcap
Scutellaire latériflore
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush)
- Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)
- Iris (Iris Cultivars)
Sowing Information
Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
- Sow by January
- Stratification duration: 90 days
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: November
- Harvesting indicator:
- Pods are brown and slightly open
- Harvesting:
- Cut stem (including pods), let air dry in paper bag, then shake seeds off after a few days
- Seed viability test:
- No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
- Seed storage:
- Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
- Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
- Remove non-seed material
- Harvesting video: Watch here
Toxicity Notes
Toxic if ingested (can cause mild GI upset).
Canadensis