Crepe/Crape Myrtle?

[daniellenc]

I have these in my yard and they happen to be blooming. The type we have here look like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagerstroemia but looking at the tortoise table they show me a picture like this: http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/?plant=490&c=4#.WXUY14TyvIU. Same family but different looking plant and no mention of if leaves and flowers are both ok or just one or the other. Anyone know?

 

[Len B]

I believe they are the same. I offer the leaves every now and then just to see what the tortoises do, the only part they pick at is the tender new growth at the end of the limbs. There is always some leftover, so It's not something they really care for. but it shouldn't harm them to eat it.

 

[daniellenc]

What about the blooms?

 

[Len B]

They are safe but none of my tortoises have ever shown any real interest in them, they have taken a taste and that was it. I've even tried feeding the blooms before they open.

 

[daniellenc]

Well I'll give it a shot for variety!

 

[Len B]

Well I'll give it a shot for variety!

That's why I offer it at least once a year, one day one might take to it.

 

[daniellenc]

They don't bloom long so if he hates no love lost. I'm always looking for outdoor safe foods to compensate for the grocery store pickings. He hated plantain, dandelion leaves, and rose of Sharon. Now he picks through his grocery store greens to get them.