Tortoises are reptiles who have the ability to eat both plants and animal matter. This makes them omnivores, but also means that they can accidentally consume toxic plants. The most common type of tortoise is the red-footed tortoise, which has a hard time telling if plant material is safe or not due to their lack of smell receptors in their nose.
If you have a pet tortoise, it’s important that you know what types of plants can be potentially harmful to them so that they don’t end up getting sick!
Related:
What plants are toxic to tortoises?
There is a large number of plants and flowers, both wild and cultivated, which are toxic to tortoises.
There is more information on some of these in the articles below:
Plants Poisonous to Turtles – Tortoises (Geochelone spp.) (The Hareline) Never let your tortoise graze where grass or other plants have been cut with lawn mower blades that may be contaminated with dew or dried grass clippings containing chemical fertilizers and the like.
Best to let the area grow for a few months before allowing your tortoise access so any chemicals can break down and/or wash away in heavy rains.
Once you know what it is and its primary effects on various life stages, you will know the potential risks and be better able to avoid any problems. The following list is not complete but gives you a general idea of what types of plants should be avoided.
What Plants Are Toxic To Tortoises?
Do not feed your tortoise food or plant material from these families:
- Autumnaceae (includes Yews, English Ivy, Periwinkle, Amaryllis family) – All parts are poisonous if ingested with unknown results in tortoises. These include hardwood trees such as rhododendrons and azaleas.
- Balsam-pear Family (Momordica sp.) – No information is available at this time regarding toxicity in tortoises however it may potentially cause serious digestive upset when ingested.
- Bracken Fern – Pteridium aquilinum : This fern is highly carcinogenic in many species. It contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine), which can lead to serious neurological disorders. This can cause death or permanent paralysis.
- Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae) – Buckthorn includes the fruits of common shrubs such as Oregon grape, coffeeberry and cascara sagrada. The leaves are poisonous after they fall from the tree in autumn, when they may persist through the winter under snow cover. All parts are considered toxic, with poisoning usually resulting in cramping, gastroenteritis and renal failure. Symptoms may be delayed for two weeks.
- Carolina Laurel Cherry – Prunus caroliniana : The plant, also known as wild plum or beach plum, is toxic to humans. Symptoms are violent gastric pain, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. There are no records of the toxicity in tortoises but ingestion can cause serious problems for both pets and people.
- Catsclaw Family (Croton capitatus) – No information is available at this time regarding toxicity in tortoises however it may potentially cause serious digestive upset when ingested.
What Plants Are Toxic To Tortoises?
- Castor Bean – Ricinus communis : All parts of the plant are highly poisonous including the seeds which secrete ricin, a deadly toxin. Clinical signs begin within hours of ingestion with intense burning of the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness. Death is generally due to severe dehydration or shock. The leaves also contain a saponin called ricinoleic which can produce photosensitization in tortoises.
- Ceriman – Monstera deliciosa : This plant contains oxalates which irritate the mouth if ingested with unknown results in tortoises however it may potentially cause serious digestive upset when ingested.
- Choke Cherry Tree – Prunus virginiana : Berries of this tree are considered poisonous to humans and livestock yet other parts of the fruit have medicinal properties for internal parasites. No information is available at this time regarding toxicity in tortoises however it may potentially cause serious digestive upset when ingested.
- Cocklebur – Xanthium strumarium : All plant parts are poisonous. The prickly seeds may cause mechanical injury to intestinal lining and liver, while all other parts irritate the gastrointestinal tract causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion is potentially fatal if not treated successfully. Symptoms of poisoning develop rapidly, usually within a few hours after ingestion of the seeds or burs which cling to fur or feathers of passing animals or people. Horses seem to be most susceptible followed by cattle and sheep with swine having less susceptibility than other livestock species however all can become ill when they ingest these plants in hay mixtures, pastures, etc. There is no antidote for Cocklebur poisoning; treatment consists mainly of symptomatic treatment for the most serious effects.
- Coral Plant – A few species in this genus are poisonous to both livestock and humans with most poisonings resulting from ingestion of foliage or flowers by cattle, horses, sheep and goats. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression and weakness progressing to seizures and coma.
- Cotoneaster – Cotoneaster species : All parts of the plant are potentially toxic with the fruits having been implicated in fatal poisoning of children. The toxicity is unknown in tortoises however it may potentially cause serious digestive upset when ingested.
- Cowbane – Cicuta maculata : This perennial is a native of southern Canada but also grows in wet soils throughout much of the U.S.. It emits a strong, unpleasant odor when the leaves are crushed. It is an attractive plant with umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers at the top of its branching stem. The root may be mistaken for wild parsnip, a common edible plant in some areas, because it looks somewhat similar and has a pungent smell. However, the root causes violent irritation to mucous membranes, by acting directly on nerve centers or through coagulation necrosis of blood cells . All parts are considered toxic however clinical signs are slow to develop if only small amounts are ingested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to light (photodermatitis), weakness progressing to paralysis of legs and respiratory failure within 2 hours.
What Plants Are Toxic To Tortoises?
- Daphne – Daphne species : All parts of this shrub contain daphnetoxin which is similar to cyanide. The fruits are considered poisonous and ingesting one or two berries can be fatal for a human. Clinical signs include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and convulsions progressing to paralysis then death from respiratory failure within 1-2 hours.
- Datura – Datura stramonium : Also called jimsonweed, thorn apple, stinkweed and many other common names. This plant contains atropine which causes dilated pupils (mydriasis), dry mouth and throat due to decreased production of saliva by the salivary glands (xerostomia), flushing of skin particularly on face and neck area (flushing), tachycardia. The plant also contains scopolamine which causes drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, disorientation and lack of coordination. There is no antidote for datura poisoning however deep sleep for about 24 hours may be helpful in reducing symptoms. Symptoms appear rapidly after ingestion with clinical signs lasting many days especially if the patient has become severely dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Dock – Rumex crispus : all parts of this plant are potentially poisonous to tortoises including the seeds however it appears that most cases of poisoning involve ingesting small quantities along with grass hay or other vegetation. Clinical signs include gastrointestinal upset with little additional damage expected if only small amounts are ingested unless large amounts are ingested.
- Elderberry – Sambucus species : All parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins which are toxic to all livestock although clinical signs vary depending on the animal, amount ingested and type of toxin. Species that have been implicated in poisoning include white-flowered elder (S. canadensis), black or blue-berried elder (S. nigra) and red-berried elder (S. racemosa). Clinical signs caused by ingestion of these plants varies with animals exhibiting drooling, diarrhea, frothing at mouth, seizures followed by depression , loss of coordination progressing to paralysis then death from respiratory failure within several hours if large amounts are ingested or days if small amounts are ingested .
What Plants Are Toxic To Tortoises? (Cre: tortoiseforum)
- Elm – Ulmus species : This tree contains alkaloids which act as gastrointestinal irritants or smooth muscle relaxants. The presence of wilted leaves, branches or roots near the tortoise enclosure is an indication that the plant has been ingested over a period of time . Clinical signs may include vomiting, diarrhea and loss of coordination progressing to paralysis then death from respiratory failure within several hours if large amounts are ingested or days if small amounts are ingested.
- Fiddleneck – Amsinckia menziesii : Also called tarweed, fiddlenecks, tarrweed and many other common names. All parts of this weed contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA’s) which act as hepatotoxins (liver toxins). Clinical signs include weight loss, anorexia, jaundice, vomiting and diarrhea followed by death. There is no antidote for fiddleneck poisoning however deep sleep for about 24 hours may be helpful in reducing symptoms. The primary method of treatment is supportive care which includes withholding food until the clinical signs have subsided .
- Galactia – Galactia striata : This legume plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which act as hepatotoxins (liver toxins). Symptoms are similar to fiddleneck poisoning.
- Gopher Plant or Chapparal – Larrea tridentate : All parts of this plant contain diterpene esters which are to cause damage to connective tissue , liver and kidneys. Clinical signs include anorexia, lack of energy to move around, dehydration, sore joints from calcium deposits in the cartilage which is very painful for the tortoise . Treatment includes withholding food until the clinical signs have subsided. Fortunately this plant does not appear to be palatable so ingestion is uncommon.
- Green Feeding Thyme – Origanum vulgare : Also called wild marjoram , oregano and many other common names. This plant contains thymol which acts as a gastrointestinal irritant with most reported cases involving using hay containing small amounts along with grasses that were contaminated by the herb during harvesting due to drift onto the hay field. Symptoms include irritation to mouth area causing excessive drooling and hypersalivation.
- Horsebrush – Tetradymia glabrata : Also called horseweed. All parts of this plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA’s) which cause damage to the liver, digestive tract and kidneys. Clinical signs include chronic weight loss, lack of appetite, jaundice and diarrhea . Treatment is supportive with withholding food until the clinical signs have subsided. Fortunately this plant does not appear to be palatable so ingestion is uncommon.
What Plants Are Toxic To Tortoises? (cre: gardeningknowhow)
Is Milkweed poisonous to tortoises?
Most members of the Milkweed family have alkaloids and cardiac glycosides that are toxic to livestock.
They often avoid them. However, even if some of this plant is eaten, the digestive system will remove much of the toxin and there is no need for concern.
The main problem associated with ingesting milkweeds is a physical irritation to the throat and gut which causes excess thirst or drooling.
Is lantana poisonous to tortoises?
Yes, how much lantana would make a tortoise sick? How do I get rid of it?
The genus Lantana is highly toxic to tortoises and most animals.
The toxicity varies from species to species and at least 50 different species can cause illness in animals if ingested. There are many cases every year of livestock getting ill or dying after ingesting Lantana spp.
Flowers and leaves contain the toxins, but all plant parts including roots and stems should be considered poisonous. Symptoms of lantana poisoning include: anorexia, depression, hypersalivation (drooling), vomiting, diarrhea with blood, tremors and seizures. If you suspect that your tortoise has come into contact with this plant please contact your veterinarian immediately.
I have lantanas all around my garden, but I do not want to kill them. What can I do? How about taking the plant inside for the winter? Can it live without being in soil?
Since you are in Orlando, FL this will probably be an easy task if you wish to move them indoors. Make sure that they receive enough light during the day (consider using a full spectrum UV light), water thoroughly weekly but dont allow plants or soil to stay wet and fertilize them at least twice a year with any balanced fertilizer diluted down to 25% of what is recommended on package (1/4 strength).
*Lantana camera, commonly known as red sage, lavender flower, wild snapdragon, purple sage, tickberry, anamu in the Caribbean and West Indies*
Hippobroma longiflora (candelabra bush or star of Bethlehem) is a species of flowering plant in the family Campanulaceae, native to Mexico south to Peru. It is one of roughly 150 species in the genus Hippobroma. The specific name longiflora means “long-flowered”.
Cattle avoid eating this plant because it produces phytotoxins which are harmful to their health. It should therefore not be planted where cattle may graze.
This sensitive perennial prefers filtered light/shade and moist soil conditions year round with good drainage. Because it can survive mild drought conditions that would kill other succulents, it is ideal for rockeries where drought conditions are common.
If ingested in large quantities (more than 20%) by cattle, horses or pigs, the plant can be fatal. Calves generally show signs of poisoning within 4 days after ingestion; colic and decreased milk production may occur up to 4 months later.
Symptoms include stomach edema, constipation, low body temperature, labored breathing and eventual death (Hutchinson et al., 1996). Mares may abort due to ingestion of this toxic plant.
In addition to its potential as a toxin source for animals intended as human food sources such as cows and horses, H. longiflora contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause cancer and liver disease in humans. Therefore, it should not be used as horse feed.
What Plants Are Toxic To Tortoises? (cre: static1)
Is wisteria Poisonous to tortoises?
Yes, all parts of the wisteria plant are poisonous to tortoises if ingested in large quantities it can be fatal. Symptoms include ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), hyper salivation (drooling), frequent urination, vomiting and diarrhea. All these symptoms may be accompanied by collapse and convulsions.
How much is too much? It depends on the species of the tortoise as well as the health of your pet.
Juveniles can die from eating a single seed, while an adult may need to consume several pounds before showing signs of poisoning. Many rescues have been forced to make very expensive trips to the vet to save the life of a tortoise after one single seed was ingested.
Is wisteria Poisonous to humans?
Yes, all parts of the wisteria plant are poisonous to humans, if ingested in large quantities it can be fatal. Symptoms include ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), hyper salivation (drooling), frequent urination, vomiting and diarrhea.
All these symptoms may be accompanied by collapse and convulsions.
Wisterias contain several alkaloids which act as a natural pesticide for this plant including:
1) Pyridines: Lysergic Acid (LSA), D-lysergic acid amide (LSA), Ergotamine (E-1421), Dimethylergoline, Secologanine.
2) Phenylmethylamine: Dopamine
3) Cinnamic Acid amides: Lysergol, Lysergic acid hydroxy amide, Isolysergol
4) Indole Alkaloids: Yohimbine
5) Quinoline Alkaloids: Aporphinoid alkaloids; Aporphines; N-methylcoclaurine; Coclaurine; Rauvolfia Serpentina (Lilly of the Valley); Aconite (Monkshood or Wolfsbane); Strychnos (Nux vomica).
The plant is considered poisonous by the Washinton Poison center and Animal poison control center in America . It has also been stated that this plant should be kept away from children and pets.
What Plants Are Toxic To Tortoises? (cre: thetortoisetable)
Are succulents poisonous to tortoises?
Succulents are one of the most popular and interesting plants for tortoises and reptile owners alike.
However, is it safe to keep them with your tortoise, or should they be restricted to their own enclosure?
It’s important for owners of both tortoises and succulents to research the plants they buy thoroughly before introducing them into their homes or enclosures.
The risk of contamination can be avoided by keeping your pets in separate rooms (of course, if you don’t take precautions like this, you should make sure you keep your animals apart anyway).
I’m going to go over a few different types of succulent and give a verdict on whether or not they’ll poison your pet tortoise. I’ve mentioned a list of common names for each plant as well as the scientific name so you can be sure what you’re looking at and find more information.
Conclusion
This article has provided information about plants that are toxic to tortoises, and how you can tell the difference between safe plants for your pet. It’s important to take precautions when gardening so you don’t endanger your beloved animal companion! To start, always ask a veterinarian before giving any new plant to them. But if they give their approval, here are some great choices of flowers or vegetables that will keep your pets happy and healthy.
Further Reading:
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