WHITE TURTLEHEAD
Chelone obliqua alba
SKU: 1958-15
Description
Chelone obliqua, or turtlehead, is a perennial flowering plant. This uncommon wildflower is endemic to the United States, where it is found in the Midwestern and southeastern states.
When blooming, the flower is said to resemble the head of a turtle.
Chelone obliqua is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) and can spread out 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm).
C. obliqua blooms later than some herbaceous perennials, in mid to late summer. The flowers are tubular 2-lipped blooms, with a small yellow beard inside each lower lip. The flowers are cross pollinated by bees and attractive to butterflies.
Chelone obliqua is native to various states in the eastern and central parts of the country, including: Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The plant has become a rare wildflower and is threatened and endangered in some states, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The variety obliqua is endangered in Kentucky and threatened in Maryland, while the speciosa variety is endangered in Arkansas and of special concern in Kentucky.
Chelone obliqua is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Optimal bloom period is within the months of July and August.
It is best grown in moist to wet, rich, humusy soils in full sun to partly shaded regions. C. obliqua is tolerant of clay soil, and may benefit from leaf mulch in total sunlight to prevent it from drying out. It can grow in any pH condition (neutral, alkaline, or acidic). Hence, it is mainly grown in moist woods, swampy areas and along streams.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 2-3' (61 to 91 cm)
Location: Sun
Hardiness zones: 5-8
Seeds per pack: 15
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.
Description
Chelone obliqua, or turtlehead, is a perennial flowering plant. This uncommon wildflower is endemic to the United States, where it is found in the Midwestern and southeastern states.
When blooming, the flower is said to resemble the head of a turtle.
Chelone obliqua is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) and can spread out 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm).
C. obliqua blooms later than some herbaceous perennials, in mid to late summer. The flowers are tubular 2-lipped blooms, with a small yellow beard inside each lower lip. The flowers are cross pollinated by bees and attractive to butterflies.
Chelone obliqua is native to various states in the eastern and central parts of the country, including: Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The plant has become a rare wildflower and is threatened and endangered in some states, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. The variety obliqua is endangered in Kentucky and threatened in Maryland, while the speciosa variety is endangered in Arkansas and of special concern in Kentucky.
Chelone obliqua is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Optimal bloom period is within the months of July and August.
It is best grown in moist to wet, rich, humusy soils in full sun to partly shaded regions. C. obliqua is tolerant of clay soil, and may benefit from leaf mulch in total sunlight to prevent it from drying out. It can grow in any pH condition (neutral, alkaline, or acidic). Hence, it is mainly grown in moist woods, swampy areas and along streams.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 2-3' (61 to 91 cm)
Location: Sun
Hardiness zones: 5-8
Seeds per pack: 15
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.
