White Turtlehead
Herbaceous perennial reaching 60-90 cm tall. Features lance-shaped, opposite leaves and clusters of white to pink turtle-head shaped flowers blooming late summer to fall. Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and partial shade to full sun. Attracts bumblebees and serves as larval host for butterfly species. Deer-resistant. Suitable for rain gardens, stream banks, and moist woodland edges. Native to eastern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: White to Pink
Bloom Time: Late-Summer to Fall
Sun Requirements: Part-Sun to Shade
Moisture: Moist to Wet
Phenology: Stems emerge May. Leaves fully developed by June. Blooms August-September. Seeds mature October. Dies back completely after frost.
Wildlife Value: Important nectar source for bumblebees; larval host for Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly; seeds eaten by birds; deer resistant
Habit Over Time: Forms upright clumps that gradually expand through short rhizomes. New stems emerge close together, creating dense clusters, but the clumps maintain clear boundaries. While vigorous, it's not aggressive and allows other plants to grow nearby. The sturdy stems provide strong vertical elements and remain upright through winter.
Height: Medium to Tall (2-4 feet)