Chelone (Turtlehead): A Native Perennial with Mythological Roots

Greek mythology tells of Chelone, a nymph who skipped Zeus and Hera's wedding and was transformed into a tortoise by Hermes. Aesop's version has the tortoise claiming "there's no place like home," earning a shell to carry forever.

The perennial Chelone is a native plant with clean green foliage. In late summer, tall spikes of white or pink flowers bloom, resembling turtles emerging from shells (some imagination required!). Deer-resistant and butterfly-attracting, it thrives in shade and moist to wet soil. Urban Roots offers both white-flowered Chelone and the pink variety 'Hot Lips', both currently covered in buds just beginning to open.