White Turtle Head Live Plants (Chelone Glabra)

A Maryland Native & Host Plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

White Turtle Head (Chelone glabra) is a beautiful Maryland native perennial that thrives in moist, rich soils in full to part sun. Its distinctive white, helmet-shaped flowers — which really do resemble a turtle's head — bloom in late summer and fall, providing a critical late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies.

Most importantly, White Turtle Head is the primary host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton), Maryland's state insect. Planting it directly supports this beautiful and increasingly rare butterfly's life cycle. An essential plant for native habitat gardens, rain gardens, and moist woodland edges.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full to Part Sun
• Hardiness Zones: 3–9
• Height: 2–3 feet
• Spread: 1–2 feet
• Bloom: Late Summer to Fall
• Soil: Moist to wet; excellent for rain gardens

What You'll Receive

Well-rooted plants in 2.5" grower pots, a few inches tall at shipping. Cannot ship to Alabama, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Oregon, or Mississippi. Cannot ship to locations below 40°F or above 80°F.

Our Guarantee

Every plant is guaranteed to arrive healthy. Message us with a photo if anything looks off upon delivery — all plants are insured for transit issues.