Species PlantsRed Turtlehead

Red Turtlehead

Chelone obliqua

RarePlant
Illustration of Red Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)

Red Turtlehead is known for its vibrant red flowers that resemble the head of a turtle. It is a rare plant that thrives in wetland habitats.

Habitat
It is found in marshes and along streams.
Diet
The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees and other insects.
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Red Turtlehead

The best time to see a Red Turtlehead is August–September, when about 75% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 334 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Red Turtlehead? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Red Turtlehead sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Red Turtlehead? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Red Turtlehead is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Red-flowering Currant
Red-flowering Currant
Ribes sanguineum
Redbay
Redbay
Persea borbonia
Redroot Pigweed
Redroot Pigweed
Amaranthus retroflexus
Reed Canary Grass
Reed Canary Grass
Phalaris arundinacea
Rice Cutgrass
Rice Cutgrass
Leersia oryzoides
River Birch
River Birch
Betula nigra
River Oats
River Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Riverbank Grape
Riverbank Grape
Vitis riparia