Plant ID?

[MarissaRelf]

We have this plant growing all over out property and we're pretty sure it's a weed but it's pretty so we left it. Now were are wondering if its safe to feed and if it can be planted in my Russians enclosure?

 

[pfara]

Looks like mallow. See what others say. If it is, it's completely safe.

 

[MarissaRelf]

I did a google image search for mallow but 100 different plants come up.

 

[pfara]

Try this: http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/plants_19.asp?mode=main&catID=363

 

[Tom]

That is mallow. Malva sp. And it is excellent tortoise food and cover. All of my tortoises live off of that stuff for about 5 months a year. It only grows here in winter when the rains come. No matter how much I water it, it simply will not survive here once the heat of spring and summer hit.

 

[jjsull33]

I also think it's mallow, but I don't know which one it is either.

 

[MarissaRelf]

Does anyone know if it can be transplanted? What about plantain?

 

[jjsull33]

I think you can transplant pretty much any plant, just dig up all the roots and re plant them.

 

[pfara]

I think you can transplant pretty much any plant, just dig up all the roots and re plant them.

Actually, this is not true for some plants. Nasturtiums, for example, thrive with neglect (ie. poor soil, prefers no ferts, would rather not be watered) but hate being transplanted. Some plants have delicate root systems and die when disturbed. As for mallow and plantain, I don't have any experience with transplanting either plant. I'd say that if you want to try, then dig up as much as you can without disturbing the roots and give it some time to establish itself. Good luck and happy growing!