Safe Plants

Edible Plants for Tortoises and Turtles

There are many common ornamental and garden plants that turtles and tortoise relish. The scientific names for plants are provided in parentheses. These names are used world-wide. Common/regional names are also used however these names may vary. One should always use the scientific name when selecting plants to insure that the correct plant is selected. Plants should be free of residues from herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers. The plants listed below are considered safe and non-toxic for our shelled pets.

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) flowers and leaves
Blue Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) flowers
Chinese Lantern (Abutilon hybridum) flowers
Rose (Rosa spps) blossoms
Geraniums (Pelargonium spps) flowers
Mulberry tree (Morus alba) leaves
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves and flowers
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) flowers
Pansies (Viola) flowers

Poisonous Plants for Tortoises and Turtles

This list should not be considered complete. Plants that are listed below should not be fed to pets and should be avoided in enclosures in which pets are kept or have access. Questions about specific plants should be directed to your veterinarian or poison control at www.aspca.org

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) 1
Azelea (Rhododendron occidentale) 2
Begonia 1
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) 2
Boston Ivy ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata) 1
Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens) 2, 3
Buttercup family (Ranunculus spps) 2, 3
Caladium 1,3
Calia Lilly (Zantedeschia spps) 1
Candytuft (Iberis) 3
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) 2
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) 1
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) 2
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) 2
Crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus) 2, 3
Cyclamen 2
Daffodil (Narcissus) 2
Dianthus 2
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia amoena) 1
Elephants ear (Caladium) 1, 3
Euphorbia 2, 4
Ficus benjamina 3
Fiddleleaf fig (Ficus lyrata) 3
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) 2
Gardenia 4
Grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) 4
Heart Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) 2
Holly (Ilex) 2
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) 2, 3
Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3
Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) 2
Juniper (Juniperus species) 2, 3
Lantana (Lantana camara) 2, 3
Lilly of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) 2, 3
Lilly of the Valley (Convallaria spps) 2
Lobelia 2
Majesty (Philodendron hastatum) 2
Marigold (Tagetes spps) 3
Mistletoe (Phorodendron flavenscens) 2
Morning Glory (Ipomoea spps) 2
Mother-in-law plant (Caladium) 1, 3
Mother-in-law tounge (Sansevieria trifasciata) 4
Mushrooms 2
Needlepoint Ivy (Hedera helix) 2, 3
Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllium) 1
Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) 2
Oleander (Nerium oleander) 2
Parlor Ivy (Philodendron cordatum) 2, 3
Periwinkle (Vinca spps) 2
Philodendron 1, 3
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) 4
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 1, 3
Pyracanthra 2
Rhododendron (Ericaceace)
Rosary Bean (Abrus precatarius) 2
Rubber tree (Ficus elastica decora) 3
Schefflera 1, 3
Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) 2, 3
Spider mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) 2, 3, 4
Split leaf Philodendron (Monstera delicosa) 1
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus or S. herreinus) 2
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) 4
Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) 1, 3


Explanation of toxicity:

1.Oxalates: these plants contain oxalate salts. Contact with the sap can cause burning, swelling and pain. Treatment includes rinsing mouth and washing skin with mild soap and water. Monitor for difficulty swallowing and/or breathing and drooling. Monitor for irritation, swelling or blistering of mouth and oral tissues.
2.Toxic or Potentially Toxic: These plants can be toxic to varying degrees and should be considered with caution. Toxic effects can range from mild irritation to severe organ damage. Call poison control or your veterinarian if you think your pet ingested these plants.
3.Dermatitis: contact with sap can cause skin rash, itching or irritation. Rinse with water and if irritation persists, contact your veterinarian.
4.Unknown: Suspected toxicity but information incomplete. If contact or ingestion occurs contact poison control and your veterinarian.

Here is a safe plant list to add to your turtle pen