How to identify Pink turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)
Pink turtlehead boasts distinctive, hooded, deep pink blossoms resembling the heads of turtles, giving it a unique appearance among wildflowers. The blooms are densely arrayed atop upright stems that reach heights of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm), surrounded by lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The flowers emerge in late summer and persist into early fall, providing a lengthy seasonal interest. This perennial exhibits a compact, clumping growth habit, forming tidy, bush-like patches in its preferred moist habitat.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Hooded, deep pink blossoms resembling turtle heads, on upright stems 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall.
Leaves are egg-shaped, 3-7 inches (7.6-17.8 cm) long, with pointed tips and toothed margins.
Deep pink to rose-purple flowers, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size, with yellow-haired lower lip.
Light green stems, 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, smooth and slightly glossy, minimally branched.
Oval seed capsules, 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) long, transition from green to brown for seed dispersal.
The leaves of pink turtlehead are medium to dark green and egg-shaped, measuring 3 to 7 inches (7.6 to 17.8 cm) long and 2 inches (5.1 cm) across. They have a rounded base with pointed tips and sharply toothed margins. The upper surface is a rich green, while the lower surface is pale green. The texture is smooth with a prominent vein pattern, making these leaves notable for their distinct pointed tips and toothed edges.
The flowers of pink turtlehead are deep pink to rose-purple, ranging up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size, and bloom in dense racemes. Each flower features two petals, with the lower lip adorned with deep yellow hairs. These distinctive flowers appear from July to September, showcasing their striking colors and intricate details, making them a significant identifying characteristic of the plant.
Pink turtlehead features light green central stems that are robust and upright, typically reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). The stems are smooth with a slightly glossy surface, cylindrical in shape, and exhibit a sturdy texture. Branching occurs minimally, primarily near the base. The diameter of the stems averages around 0.25 inches (0.6 cm), making them moderately thick. Unique for their stability and subtle sheen, these stems provide foundational support for the plant's structure.
The fruit of pink turtlehead is represented by oval-shaped seed capsules, which are about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in length. Initially, these capsules exhibit a green hue, transitioning to darker shades of brown as they near the seed maturation period. The browning indicates the readiness for seed release. The fruiting season peaks in October when the capsules split open, dispersing the seeds. The description is scientifically accurate, focusing on the key identification features: size, color transition, texture, and seed dispersal mechanism.
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Scientific Classification of Pink turtlehead
