How to identify Woodland beardtongue (Nothochelone nemorosa)

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How to identify Woodland beardtongue (Nothochelone nemorosa)

Woodland beardtongue, also known as Turtlehead

Woodland beardtongue is characterized by a woody base and a perennial herbaceous growth habit. Visually, it could be confused with penstemons, but distinguishes itself by its unique winged seeds. The foliage encompasses lance-shaped leaves, and the plant often produces tubular flowers, which are structured to attract pollinators. Typically found in mountain forests, woodland beardtongue thrives at high elevations, ranging from 4000 to 7500 feet (1219 to 2286 meters). Despite its resemblance to penstemons, woodland beardtongue's distinct seed morphology signals its own genus within the Plantaginaceae family.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Woodland beardtongue

Distinct winged seeds for unique identification.

Tubular flowers with lobed upper and lower lips.

Dry capsules with numerous small, winged seeds.

Short-stalked, toothed leaves with visible veins.

Erect stem with fine hairs, may turn reddish in sunlight.

Detailed Traits of Woodland beardtongue

Leaf Features

The leaves of woodland beardtongue are short-stalked, narrow, and thin, measuring 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) in length. The upper leaves are longer while the lower ones are shorter. They have toothed margins and a slightly rough texture due to the presence of hairs on the underside. The leaves exhibit a light to medium green color with a noticeable vein pattern that enhances their unique visual appeal.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Woodland beardtongue flowers feature tubular blooms with a two-lobed upper lip and a three-lobed lower lip, forming a loose terminal branched panicle. Each flower measures approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long. The sepals are hairy, while the exterior of the flower tube is also hairy, contrasting with the smooth interior. The structured arrangement and distinct lobed lips make them easily recognizable during their blooming period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of woodland beardtongue is erect and covered with fine hairs, extending from a woody crown at the base. It is typically green but may develop a reddish tinge when exposed to direct sunlight. The stem is moderately thick, about 0.2 to 0.5 inches (0.5 to 1.3 cm) in diameter, and exhibits a slight branching pattern towards the upper regions. This hairy and somewhat ridged stem texture aids in distinguishing woodland beardtongue from similar species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of woodland beardtongue is a dry capsule that splits open when mature to release its contents. These capsules hold numerous small, winged seeds, facilitating their dispersal by wind. Typically, the capsules exhibit a green to brownish hue as they mature, with a slightly woody texture. The fruit's geometry is elongated, and it often appears in clusters, which aids in the identification of the species. Its seeds' winged adaptation is a distinctive feature that not only assists in their distribution but also serves as a key identifying characteristic for the species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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