Plant/weed ID?

[abadi]

what is this? my tortoise loves to nibble on it when hes in the backyard, we have had these for along time and they are really fast growers.







they do not have flowers, they have thick stems and nice thin soft leaves

[abadi]

doesn't anyone knows what are they? atleast if they are safe or not?

[littlefoot]

Hi,looks like sorrel (if it is sorrel) As long as he eats plenty of other weeds it is fine.Only feed it in moderation,once or twice a week in small amounts.Find out if it is sorrel first though.

[katyg]

Not sure this is sorrel? If it is though, I personally wouldn't feed it at all.

[littlefoot]

Originally Posted by katyg

Not sure this is sorrel? If it is though, I personally wouldn't feed it at all.

Sorrel is o.k in moderation.Not absolutely sure this is sorrel though needs a definate I.D.

[abadi]

im not sure if it is or not sorrel but it does sound like sorrel, thick juicy stems and arrow shaped leaves, i am worried as it loves it but i will feed very little and keep it away from it while hes out everyother day.

thanks

[katyg]

Sorrel is very high in Oxalic acid. It's really not good for tortoises. Whilst I'm sure a nibble once a week won't do any harm, there are much better weeds out there to feed instead!

[abadi]

Originally Posted by katyg

Sorrel is very high in Oxalic acid. It's really not good for tortoises. Whilst I'm sure a nibble once a week won't do any harm, there are much better weeds out there to feed instead!

Yep i know, its just that when a tortoise nibbles on an unknown plant, you have to ask
thank you for your replies

[jeweled lady]

I know my plants but am not sure whether it is Sorrell. Some leaves look a bit like it. Does it grow larger with a longer stem and leaves up the stem with a Dock like head? There is a wild and cultivated one, I have both and my tortoises love the leaves but make sure Sorrell is used along with other weeds. Tortoises usually know what's good for them and what's bad.

[erewegoagain]

It does look like sorrel to me, I used to grow it as a salad plant: much easier than lettuce and has a nice lemony taste, no wonder your tort likes it!