White Turtlehead and Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies

White Turtlehead, or Chelone glabra, is a flowering perennial plant native to eastern North America. In the wild, it is found in wetlands, along streams and lakes, and in meadows. The White Turtlehead flowers are light clusters that resemble the shape of a tortoise head, which is what gave the plant its common name. It is sensitive to pollution, making it an indicator species. The presence of White Turtlehead is an indicator of a healthy wetland area.  To grow White Turtlehead in your own garden, you can plant in moist, rich soil in late April or May. In Ohio, Turtlehead prefers morning sun with more filtered light in the afternoon, although it is tolerant of full sun if the soil is consistently moist. It can grow to be 30-48 inches in height and can spread 18-24 inches. The plant will bloom in late summer and early fall, typically beginning in August and lasting three to six weeks.

One major benefit of introducing White Turtlehead into a native plant garden is that it is the main host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly. This is a large, native Ohio butterfly with white and orange spots. White Turtlehead contains a type of chemical called iridoid glycosides, which Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies are able to use as a chemical defense against predation. Unfortunately, Baltimore Checkerspots have experienced significant population decline due to the widespread degradation of wetland habitats in its range. As a result, the Checkerspot has had to expand its host plant preference to include English Plantain. 

Baltimore Checkerspot is a univoltine species, meaning it only has one brood per year, and they have a very local range. They also overwinter as larvae, which is unusual among moths and butterflies. Because the species is univoltine, its life cycle is strongly tied to that of its host plant, making it more vulnerable to changes in host plant populations.
You can make a difference and help the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly by planting White Turtlehead in your garden today!
 
Article by Lia Schmidt, 2026 summer intern
 
References:
Baltimore Checkerspot Euphydryas phaeton (Drury, 1773) | Butterflies and Moths of North America
Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly | US Forest Service
White Turtlehead Facts, Care & Planting Guide (Chelone glabra) - Pond Informer
How to Grow and Care for Turtlehead Plant (Chelone)
White Turtlehead - Grow Native!

Check out our Pollinator Pathways webpage to learn more about the District's efforts to help these species!