Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City, USA

Common name: Turtlehead

Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)

Distribution: North America

Life form: Perennial plant

Comments: This perennial will perform best in rich, wet soils in the full sun. The common name Turtlehead, is in reference to the shape of the flowers resembling open turtle mouths. It blooms from mid summer into fall attracting butterflies. Plants will spread slowly and typically stay under two and a half feet. 'Hot Lips' differs from the straight species with it's more intense pink flowers, deeper green leaves and reddish stems.