Plants and People Project

Turtlehead - Chelone lyoni

Flowers resemble turtle heads. A member of the snapdragon family of plants. Field Guide to North American Wildflowers

Cherokee used the plant to improve appetite, for fevers and worms and to treat sores. A tea from the flowers was used as a gentle laxative. Northern tribes used the plant similarly as have herbalist. In addition there are references to its use for jaundice and to prevent pregnancy. (Hamel/Chiltoskey) (Foster & Duke) (Erichsen-Brown)

lyoni - Named in honor of John Lyon an American botanist of the 19th century. Field Guide to North American Wildflowers

Leaf tea was used as an appetite stimulant. Peterson's Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants (Foster/Duke)

Host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

Identification and other facts / More facts

Turtleheads