Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is a native 2- to 3-foot tall perennial found in moist areas along stream banks, open woodlands, and marshes. It does well in rain gardens and will survive in drier gardens if watered during dry spells. The white, red, pink, or purple flowers which resemble tortoise heads appear on 6-8 inch spikes and open from bottom to top in late July through late fall. 

Turtlehead attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators and is a host plant for Baltimore checkerspot and common buckeye butterflies.

The bitter taste of its leaves makes turtlehead resistant to deer and other herbivores