Chelone lyonii
pink turtlehead
Southeastern United States (southern Appalachians)
Overview
Chelone lyonii is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial growing 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall on upright, square stems. The leaves are dark green, ovate to lance-shaped, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, coarsely toothed, and arranged in opposite pairs. From August to October the stem tips carry dense spikes of rose-pink to purple-pink flowers, each 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long and tubular with two lips, the arched upper lip and lower lip together resembling a turtle's head. The flowers have a yellow-bearded throat that guides bumblebees inside. Chelone lyonii is native to the southern Appalachian Mountains and grows in moist woods, seeps, stream banks, and damp meadows. It needs consistently moist, rich soil and shows leaf scorch and stunting in dry, exposed sites. Plants spread slowly by short rhizomes into clumps and reach full size in 2 to 3 years. The late bloom supplies nectar after many summer perennials have finished. It serves as a larval host for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly.
Native Range
Chelone lyonii is native to the southern Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States, in North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia. It grows in moist woods, seeps, stream banks, and damp meadows.Suggested Uses
Chelone lyonii is used in rain gardens, pond and stream edges, moist borders, and woodland gardens, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Its late bloom supports bumblebees and butterflies into autumn. It suits moist, partly shaded spots where many perennials grow poorly.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rose-pink to purple-pinkFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Chelone lyonii grows in part shade to full sun and medium to wet, rich, well-drained soil. It needs steady moisture and shows leaf scorch and stunted growth in dry, exposed sites. Water during dry spells, especially in sun and in the first two seasons. The plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and forms a clump that needs no staking at its mature height. Cutting plants back by one-third in early summer lowers height and increases branching. It has few serious pests, though powdery mildew appears on dry, crowded plants.Pruning
Stems are cut to the ground in late winter before new growth begins. Cutting plants back by one-third in late spring produces shorter, bushier growth and more flower spikes. Spent flower spikes are removed or left for winter structure.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons