Chelone lyonii
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Chelone lyonii

Pink Turtlehead · Turtlehead · Lyon's turtlehead

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: partial_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
7 days
0
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 3–8
Click count
326
Observations
244

Description

Source: leafsnap

Chelone lyonii, commonly known as pink turtlehead, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Plantaginaceae. Native to the eastern United States, it thrives in wetlands, along streams, and in moist meadows. The plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet and features dark green leaves arranged oppositely on the stem. Its distinctive flowers, which resemble a turtle's head, come in pink or white and bloom from mid-summer through early fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pink turtlehead is relatively easy to cultivate in moist soil with partial shade but can also tolerate full sun provided it receives adequate water. Historically, Native Americans utilized its medicinal properties to treat ailments such as fever, coughs, colds, and sore throats. However, due to its potential toxicity if not properly prepared or administered, it should be used under medical supervision.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Pink turtlehead thrives in its native woodland habitat, where consistent moisture is key. It flourishes in damp environments. To ensure its well-being during the growing season, weekly watering is essential to prevent prolonged dryness. This regular watering enhances both its blooming potential and overall health.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Partial sun

Pink turtlehead is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, reflecting its versatile and hardy nature.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 0–32.2°C

Pink turtlehead can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with adequate rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can increase the chances of Pink turtlehead dying. In winter, protecting it properly from cold can enhance the plant’s survival.

Ideal temperature: 0–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The ideal time to fertilize a Pink turtlehead is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy and begins active growth. Fertilizing supplies essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. Although Pink turtlehead has relatively low fertilizer requirements, annual fertilization can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

Pink turtlehead is known for its distinctive pink flowers and benefits from pruning early to late in the spring. To promote healthy growth and improve air circulation, be sure to trim spent flowers and leggy stems. This will help maintain the plant's vigor and enhance the quality of its blooms. Regular pruning also helps control its spread, making it a resilient and beautiful addition to your garden.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Chelone
Family
Plantaginaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-8
Mature Height
0.61 m to 1.22 m
Mature Spread
46 cm to 76 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.54 cm to 7.62 cm
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid fall, Late fall
Native Area
Eastern North America

Tags (20)

Common Names (3)

en Pink Turtlehead
en Turtlehead
en Lyon's turtlehead