Toxic lookalikes?

Hazel · 23-09-2008, 09:09 PM

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if Dandelion has any lookalikes that are harmful to torts? I notice some weeds that look similar but I'm not convinced they're dandelion. Plus with just the leaves it's harder to tell...

DAISY · 23-09-2008, 09:18 PM

There are several weeds in the Dandie family that look similar.
Have a look in the edible weeds section to see if you can id the ones you have seen.

Sylvia1 · 25-09-2008, 07:44 PM

Find a pic of ragwort and avoid it at all costs - it is deadly poisonous.

Hazel · 25-09-2008, 11:26 PM

I know Ragwort, don't worry

When I first started with torts I found loads of it and checked, typical that it is so available yet poisonous!

I'm quite obsessive about looking up weeds but some of them are just so hard to identify, especially without flowers :-/

Sylvia1 · 25-09-2008, 11:34 PM

I know - it's such a worry. I think we would all love a complete expert on the subject accompany us on a walk & say NO don't pick that or YES - that's a good weed!

Hazel · 25-09-2008, 11:45 PM

Wouldn't that be amazing?? It's so frustrating sometimes not being able to identify properly. I'm just so thankful for the weed seeds from the sw shop! They take all that worry away because I know they are good for my torts. My two absolutely adore the sow thistles I've grown and I've just sown another mixed lot which are growing very quickly

midi-mania · 26-09-2008, 12:15 AM

in my garden i have 2-3 types of dandelion, one is HUGE one is normal and one is skinny

only have a couple of the huge plants though, the leaves i get off them are 20+cm long but take ages to grow, dont know why they are so big though, the flowers on them are on huge stems too

Hazel · 26-09-2008, 08:27 AM

I bet your torts love those big juicy stems

One of my torts Dandelion (original eh?

) goes mad for the stalks.

madness · 26-09-2008, 07:17 PM

there is a weed called cats ears.looks very like dandilion head but has a long thin stem and lotsof green thin leaves at ground level leaves feel sort of soft and hairy.hope that helps.my two love them.xx

Hazel · 28-09-2008, 01:53 PM

Ahaa I think I have seen that, thanks

23-09-2008, 09:09 PM	#1
Hazel Member Juvenile Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 853	Toxic lookalikes? I was wondering if anyone could tell me if Dandelion has any lookalikes that are harmful to torts? I notice some weeds that look similar but I'm not convinced they're dandelion. Plus with just the leaves it's harder to tell... __________________

23-09-2008, 09:18 PM	#2
DAISY Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LIVERPOOL Posts: 2,763	There are several weeds in the Dandie family that look similar. Have a look in the edible weeds section to see if you can id the ones you have seen. __________________ Rach Mum to 12 horsfields, 2 redfoots, 2 spur-thighed, 4 dogs, 1 cat, 1 guinea pig, 3 chipmunks, 3 african pygmy hedgehogs, 4 bearded dragons, 1 goldfish. 2 daughters and 1 husband.

25-09-2008, 07:44 PM	#3
Sylvia1 Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Somerset Posts: 2,465	Find a pic of ragwort and avoid it at all costs - it is deadly poisonous. __________________ Sylvia 3 hermanns, 2 leopards, 2 german shepherds, 5 cats, 3 tropical tanks

25-09-2008, 11:26 PM	#4
Hazel Member Juvenile Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 853	I know Ragwort, don't worry When I first started with torts I found loads of it and checked, typical that it is so available yet poisonous! I'm quite obsessive about looking up weeds but some of them are just so hard to identify, especially without flowers :-/ __________________

25-09-2008, 11:34 PM	#5
Sylvia1 Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Somerset Posts: 2,465	I know - it's such a worry. I think we would all love a complete expert on the subject accompany us on a walk & say NO don't pick that or YES - that's a good weed! __________________ Sylvia 3 hermanns, 2 leopards, 2 german shepherds, 5 cats, 3 tropical tanks

25-09-2008, 11:45 PM	#6
Hazel Member Juvenile Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 853	Wouldn't that be amazing?? It's so frustrating sometimes not being able to identify properly. I'm just so thankful for the weed seeds from the sw shop! They take all that worry away because I know they are good for my torts. My two absolutely adore the sow thistles I've grown and I've just sown another mixed lot which are growing very quickly __________________

26-09-2008, 12:15 AM	#7
midi-mania Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: mersyside Posts: 1,058	in my garden i have 2-3 types of dandelion, one is HUGE one is normal and one is skinny only have a couple of the huge plants though, the leaves i get off them are 20+cm long but take ages to grow, dont know why they are so big though, the flowers on them are on huge stems too __________________ Gav Last edited by midi-mania; 26-09-2008 at 12:17 AM.

26-09-2008, 08:27 AM	#8
Hazel Member Juvenile Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 853	I bet your torts love those big juicy stems One of my torts Dandelion (original eh? ) goes mad for the stalks. __________________

26-09-2008, 07:17 PM	#9
madness Member Incubating Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: newcastle Posts: 124	hello there is a weed called cats ears.looks very like dandilion head but has a long thin stem and lotsof green thin leaves at ground level leaves feel sort of soft and hairy.hope that helps.my two love them.xx

28-09-2008, 01:53 PM	#10
Hazel Member Juvenile Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Manchester Posts: 853	Ahaa I think I have seen that, thanks __________________

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