Wild daisy?

[gustaf]

Are these wild daisy's and is it safe for tortoises to eat?

 

[Yvonne G]

No, the leaves aren't right for the daisy family. But, sorry...I don't know what it is. Let's ask @Iochroma

 

[domalle]

Are these wild daisy's and is it safe for tortoises to eat?

View attachment 145716

I think it's an aster.

 

[Foursteels]

I'm pretty sure they are called Common Beggar Ticks...a weed well known to Florida. I read that the gopher tortoise graze on it in the wild. I have them as cover in my tortoise enclosure, but haven't seen my Russian nibbling on it at all.

http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News columns/White Wildflowers.htm

 

[gustaf]

I am wandering if they are safe to offer as food for hatchling sulcatas to add variety.

 

[domalle]

I am wandering if they are safe to offer as food for hatchling sulcatas to add variety.

The leaves say Aster to me. Don't think it's Bidens. Look up White Asters in Florida. See if you agree.

 

[Foursteels]

The common beggar tick (bidens alba) has seven white pedals and a yellow center. I believe the Aster has many more pedals. In any event I would rather be safe then sorry when figuring out what might be safe.

 

[domalle]

The common beggar tick (bidens alba) has seven white pedals and a yellow center. I believe the Aster has many more pedals. In any event I would rather be safe then sorry when figuring out what might be safe.

I agree - don't ever feed unless you are sure. You might be right on the ID. The picture doesn't give a very good view to base an accurate ID on.
The only flower visible looks like more than seven petals. Cultivated Asters can have many more petals and prettier flowers but the wild asters can have
less petaled flowers and be less showy.

 

[domalle]

The common beggar tick (bidens alba) has seven white pedals and a yellow center. I believe the Aster has many more pedals. In any event I would rather be safe then sorry when figuring out what might be safe.

This is funny. I just came across a website that states that:
Bidens alba is a white flowered relative of the Asters.
It also showed the leaves which were very aster-like and almost matched the picture.
So I am ready with some confidence to concede the point with you.
I think you are right on your identification as Bidens.
Whether it is edible for tortoises I have no idea but it should be easy enough
to track down.

 

[gustaf]

Thanks for the plant I'd guys. I'd like to get a book with good pictures of all the Florida plants.