Known to be toxic - Toxic if ingested (can cause mild GI upset).
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
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates wet soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Does not spread uncontrollably
Spreads by rhizome
Suitable for beginner gardeners
Does not spread uncontrollably
Spreads by rhizome
Landscape Uses:
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Suitable for school gardens
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 foot traffic around the plant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic around the plant
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
Seed and plant distribution status
No seeds available for this plant.
We are not accepting seeds for this plant at the moment.
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Distribution according to VASCAN
Ephemeral
Native
Introduced
Excluded
Extirpated
Doubtful
Absent
Canadensis
Thrives in Ecozones
- Atlantic Maritime
- Boreal Plains
- Boreal Shield
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Chelone glabra
- Euphydryas phaeton (Baltimore Checkerspot)
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).