Chelone lyonii

Chelone lyonii, commonly called turtlehead, pink turtlehead or Lyon’s turtlehead, is an upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial in the figwort family which typically grows 2-4’ tall on stiff, square stems. Hooded, snapdragon-like, pink flowers resemble the heads of open-mouthed turtles, hence the common name.
 
Culture
Best grown in moist, rich, humusy, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Best in cool summer climates in part shade areas. Tolerates close to full shade. Consider pinching back the stem ends in spring to reduce mature plant height, especially if growing plants in strongly shaded areas where they are more likely to need some support. In optimum environments, however, staking is usually not required. Appreciates a good composted leaf mulch, particularly in full sun areas. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to form large clumps, but is not invasive. Will self-seed in moist soils. Propagate by division, cuttings and seed.
 
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Plantaginaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Description: Pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Erosion, Wet Soil