Turtlehead is also known as balmony, bitter herb, codhead, fish mouth, shellflower, snakehead, snake mouth, and turtle bloom. It is part of the Figwort family (Scrophulariacea) and has the scientific name Chelone glabra.

Is white turtlehead edible?

White Turtlehead, which is said to be very bitter, appears to have no edible uses. However, the plant, when harvested in flower and dried for later use, has a number of uses in natural medicine. A tonic derived from this plant is said to be beneficial for indigestion.

What does turtlehead mean?

vulgar slang To need to defecate so badly that one's feces begin to come out through the anus involuntarily. I need to find a bathroom now—I'm starting to turtle head! I was turtle heading by the time we finally got to a rest stop.