Balmony
Chelone glabra
Last reviewed: August 2026
Chelone glabra (Balmony) is a native wetland perennial blooming white flowers from July through September across eastern North America. This moisture-loving wildflower thrives in partial shade and attracts bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Balmony (Chelone glabra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Balmony is a native perennial wildflower that produces distinctive white, snapdragon-like flowers from summer into fall. This moisture-loving plant forms neat clumps with glossy green foliage and thrives in partially shaded, consistently moist areas.
Growing Balmony
Grow Balmony in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Balmony takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may be impractical in maintained landscapes
- Wildflower appearance may not meet formal landscaping standards
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare ground
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies, particularly specialized native bees that can access the unique flower structure. It serves as a host plant for the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly.
Common questions
- When does Chelone glabra bloom?
- Balmony blooms from July through September, producing distinctive white turtle-head shaped flowers.
- What pollinators visit Balmony?
- Chelone glabra attracts bees and butterflies, with bumblebees being particularly effective pollinators due to their ability to force open the closed flower structure.
- Where is Chelone glabra native?
- Balmony is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and Alabama, and west to Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Mississippi.
- What growing conditions does Balmony prefer?
- Chelone glabra thrives in consistently moist to wet soils in partial shade to full shade conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens and wetland areas.
- Is Balmony HOA-friendly?
- Balmony takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Balmony? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz