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| Photos © Kim Hosen; Merrimac Farm Wildlife Managemen Area, Nokesvile VA; August 2008 Text by Aubrey D. Gann |
White Turtlehead The White Turtlehead is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 1 to 4 feet with stems that end in tight clusters of white or white with lavender-tinged tubular flowers that resemble the head of a turtle. These plants bloom between July and September in most areas and are normally found in brushy marches, stream banks, wet ditches, low meadows or woodlands where they can find rich soils that stay wet or moist. They grow in all light sources whether it be sun, part shade or full shade. This plant takes some time to germinate with seedlings appearing after a year and flowering after two years. White Turtleheads are an ornamental plant known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds and are a regular host to the larval stage of the Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton). |