Plant Profile: Chelone obliqua var. speciosa

Shellflower is a herbaceous perennial that thrives in the rich, moist soils of the central United States, although it is not originally from North Carolina. Nevertheless, it adapts well to the local environment. From August to September, it showcases its charming rose-pink 'turtlehead' flowers, which bloom on spikes that can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet.

This plant flourishes in clay to loam soils that are consistently moist or occasionally wet, enriched with organic matter. It can tolerate both full sun and partially shaded conditions. Shellflower is an excellent choice for wet meadows, woodland areas, or any damp locations such as along ponds and streams, and it is known to attract bees and hummingbirds.