Chelone glabra 'Black Ace'

Chelone glabra ‘Black Ace’ – Turtlehead

Add bold foliage and late-season flowers to moist garden areas with this distinctive native Turtlehead. Spring foliage emerges a dramatic green-black before maturing to deep green, creating strong contrast in the garden. From midsummer into fall, crisp white, turtlehead-shaped flowers rise above the foliage and provide an important nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

This taller variety is a great choice for moist borders, rain gardens, woodland edges, and pondside plantings. Its upright habit adds structure to the middle or back of perennial beds, while the white flowers brighten areas with full sun to partial shade.

Chelone is valued for its late bloom season and ability to thrive in consistently moist soil. ‘Black Ace’ is also a host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, making it a useful addition to native and pollinator gardens.

Plant Details:
Height: 36–48 inches
Spread: 24–30 inches
Light: Full sun to part shade
Zones: 3–8
Soil: Moist, well-drained

Features:
Dark green-black spring foliage
Attracts pollinators
Host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly
Native perennial
Great for rain gardens & moist borders