Tennessee Native Plant Society
Native Plant of the Month
November, 2007
White Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
This fall-blooming plant can be found along the low banks of streams and other wet areas fairly
commonly. The flowers are white, usually tipped in varying amounts of pink, and are about 1.5 inches
in length. The shape of the blossoms, that of the head of a turtle, contribute the common name.
Another descriptive common name is fishmouth, also apparent from the flower shape. The whole
presentation of the plant is quite attractive and it is always a welcome sight on fall excursions.
