Botany Heist (not really, I am not a criminal)

kazran

Member
Joined
May 10, 2026
Messages
25
Location (City and/or State)
Oregon
Heh heh heh, not me, over here with the shears after finding a lilac tree > : D

1000007414.jpg

On a related note, does anyone know if Oregon Sunshine (the plant/flower) is edible for tortoises? I could not find it on the Tortoise Table app.
 

Alice Sulcatia

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
Joined
Mar 23, 2026
Messages
574
Location (City and/or State)
Arizona
Heh heh heh, not me, over here with the shears after finding a lilac tree > : D

View attachment 400664

On a related note, does anyone know if Oregon Sunshine (the plant/flower) is edible for tortoises? I could not find it on the Tortoise Table app.
Botany heists are so much fun! I asked Chat GPT, and it said sure its great, feed it! Both references it gave didn't even have that plant mentioned! So I have absolutely no idea. Let's ask if somebody else here has experience with Eriophyllum lanatum. @COmtnLady @Cathie G @TammyJ @JanaeCV @The_Four_Toed_Edward @Alex and the Redfoot @Tim Carlisle @Tom @Markw84 Plant help!
 

COmtnLady

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2020
Messages
4,423
Location (City and/or State)
Colorado
The tortoise Table says :

The flowers and leaves of the Lilac are fine to feed as part of a wider, varied diet.

But "in moderation" as an occasional treat is a good idea.


I have never heard of Eriophyllum lanatum - ('thought the PNW didn't have sunshine...), so can't help you there.



.
 

Kapidolo Farms

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
5,232
Location (City and/or State)
South of Southern California, but not Mexico
Botany heists are so much fun! I asked Chat GPT, and it said sure its great, feed it! Both references it gave didn't even have that plant mentioned! So I have absolutely no idea. Let's ask if somebody else here has experience with Eriophyllum lanatum. @COmtnLady @Cathie G @TammyJ @JanaeCV @The_Four_Toed_Edward @Alex and the Redfoot @Tim Carlisle @Tom @Markw84 Plant help!

Not reported as toxic to a range of animals.
 

Cathie G

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
17,666
Location (City and/or State)
Lancaster

The_Four_Toed_Edward

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2024
Messages
6,295
Location (City and/or State)
Finland

kazran

Member
Joined
May 10, 2026
Messages
25
Location (City and/or State)
Oregon
Thank you everyone for responding! Looks like the consensus is that we don't know (but maybe not toxic) so I will go ahead and not give it until more information comes to light. 🌿🐢☺️
 

Cathie G

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
17,666
Location (City and/or State)
Lancaster
Thank you everyone for responding! Looks like the consensus is that we don't know (but maybe not toxic) so I will go ahead and not give it until more information comes to light. 🌿🐢☺️
And well Kapodolo Farms said it's not reported as toxic to a large amount of animals. What I think about that is it's not a big deal if it's in your yard. Just because it's there doesn't mean your tortoise will eat it anyway. Does your tortoise like it? I do feel like it would be something only as a topping though and not a big part of the total diet. Just because it's something that can be made into essential oils. My tortoise should love Rose of Sharon flowers but won't touch them. Just sniffs and turns up his nose.😊
 

Cathie G

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
17,666
Location (City and/or State)
Lancaster
And well Kapodolo Farms said it's not reported as toxic to a large amount of animals. What I think about that is it's not a big deal if it's in your yard. Just because it's there doesn't mean your tortoise will eat it anyway. Does your tortoise like it? I do feel like it would be something only as a topping though and not a big part of the total diet. Just because it's something that can be made into essential oils. My tortoise should love Rose of Sharon flowers but won't touch them. Just sniffs and turns up his nose.😊
I was talking about lilac as an essential oil. And of course everyone has heard of sunflower oil. The moral of the story is both can be added to a good old tortoise salad if they'll eat it.🐢🤗
 

kazran

Member
Joined
May 10, 2026
Messages
25
Location (City and/or State)
Oregon
And well Kapodolo Farms said it's not reported as toxic to a large amount of animals.
Yep! Just because it is not toxic to a large amount of animals doesn't necessarily mean tortoises are among them, not would I be certain that they were healthy for Howl. As such, I am taking the path of caution and just not feeding them. As an alternative, I will continue with the forage that I do know, and speaking of Kapidolo, I am planning on placing an order for some yummy munchies for Howl here soon for variety/treats 🐢 👻🌱🌺
 

New Posts

Top