When does Red Turtlehead bloom?

Red Turtlehead blooms from August through October, providing late-season color when many other native plants have finished flowering.

What pollinators visit Red Turtlehead?

Red Turtlehead attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its tubular red flowers that are perfectly shaped for these pollinators to access nectar.

Where is Red Turtlehead native?

Red Turtlehead is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

What growing conditions does Red Turtlehead prefer?

Red Turtlehead thrives in partial shade to shade with medium to high moisture levels, making it ideal for woodland gardens and stream banks.

Is Red Turtlehead HOA-friendly?

Red Turtlehead is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Red Turtlehead

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Chelone obliqua

Last reviewed: June 2026

Red Turtlehead is a native perennial wildflower found throughout the southeastern United States. It blooms from August through October with distinctive red snapdragon-like flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Red Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) — Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–36" H × 18"–24" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, GA, KY, MD and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Red turtlehead is a native perennial that produces distinctive pink to red snapdragon-like flowers from late summer through fall. This moisture-loving plant forms neat clumps with dark green foliage and thrives in partial shade conditions.

Growing Red Turtlehead

Grow Red Turtlehead in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Red Turtlehead is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter
May need supplemental water in dry periods

Wildlife value

Host plant for Baltimore checkerspot butterfly.

The tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the late-season bloom period. This plant serves as a host for Baltimore checkerspot butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

When does Red Turtlehead bloom?: Red Turtlehead blooms from August through October, providing late-season color when many other native plants have finished flowering.
What pollinators visit Red Turtlehead?: Red Turtlehead attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its tubular red flowers that are perfectly shaped for these pollinators to access nectar.
Where is Red Turtlehead native?: Red Turtlehead is native to the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
What growing conditions does Red Turtlehead prefer?: Red Turtlehead thrives in partial shade to shade with medium to high moisture levels, making it ideal for woodland gardens and stream banks.
Is Red Turtlehead HOA-friendly?: Red Turtlehead is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Red Turtlehead? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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