The Turtlehead got its name because the flower looks resembles the head of a turtle. And its scientific name, "chelone," in Greek means "tortoise." It is also known as Bitter Herb, Salt-rheum Weed, Shellflower, Snake-head, and Turtle-bloom. This perennial is a member of the Snapdragon or Figwort family.

Blooming from July to September, the White Turtlehead grows to a height, that ranges from  30 to 90 cm high, on its square stem. The flower is white, tinged in pinkish-purple, and tubular, with its lower lip fringed inside. Its serrated leaves alternate and have a slight tea-like odour. They are shiny, dark green, and grow from 8 to 15 cm in length.

In the Algonquin Highlands you will find these plants in wet wooded areas, near swamps, and along rivers banks and streams. Their nectar is a favourite of the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly.