Chelone obliqua

The pink-flowered, Midwestern/Southeastern cousin of our native white turtlehead, rose turtlehead is similar in its colonizing habit, season of bloom, and of course the shape of its flowers, which resemble a turtle's gaping mug.  Indeed, Chelone derives from the scientific name of the sea turtle family, Cheloniidae. Hummingbirds and bumblebees don't seem to be bothered by the resemblance, however, as they're enthusiastic pollinators.

Full to part sun; moist soil; 3'x2'; mid to late summer; Zone 5

Propagated from seed; deep 3.5-inch pots

Photo: Emőke Dénes