Is this Edible for Horsefield Tortoises?!

[Lady Midnight]

Can anyone tell me what this is? I am a new owner to two Horsefield Tortoises and my female tortoise has acquired a huge taste for this plant. It is growing in vast numbers, so it is hard to stop her from eating it and I am afraid it could be a toxic plant. Any help identifying it would be greatly appreciated!!
I also reply to every comment so keep a eye out for my reply! It might just be a thank you though!

[cherylahutch]

Looks like a willow herb not edible for tortoises I don't think it ah toxic one but not a good food for them

[Catwoman63]

I also have loads and loads of this growing in my pots and in the ground, if it isnt edible (not seen my tortoises eat it yet and i dont feed them it) then thats a real shame as this seems to grow in abundance in my garden x

[Lady Midnight]

Originally Posted by cherylahutch

Looks like a willow herb not edible for tortoises I don't think it ah toxic one but not a good food for them

Thank you for the reply but I know it is not a Willow herb as that tiny flower on top is the only flowers it has grown and it is only the extremely tall ones that have flowered.

[Lady Midnight]

Originally Posted by Catwoman63

I also have loads and loads of this growing in my pots and in the ground, if it isnt edible (not seen my tortoises eat it yet and i dont feed them it) then thats a real shame as this seems to grow in abundance in my garden x

Same we have them growing everywhere but my little female went running towards these things for a taste and even munched a baby one that was just growing and now won't leave them alone. x

[pagan queen]

Common name : Willowherb
Latin name : Epilobium spp.
Family name : Onagraceae
Although the Willowherbs are not toxic, they are high in tannins and usually unpalatable for tortoises (although the occasional nibble will do no harm). Usually a wild flower but sometimes grown as a garden plant.


This is not a native plant and is invasive and causing a problem in the country. I would suggest you destroy any you see as the more plants that survive the more of a problem it will be. It is pushing out our native plants, leaving less room for the valuable plants in our country.

[16 shells]

Willow Herb's with some rain's is gradually taking over Britain

[Lady Midnight]

Originally Posted by pagan queen

Common name : Willowherb
Latin name : Epilobium spp.
Family name : Onagraceae
Although the Willowherbs are not toxic, they are high in tannins and usually unpalatable for tortoises (although the occasional nibble will do no harm). Usually a wild flower but sometimes grown as a garden plant.


This is not a native plant and is invasive and causing a problem in the country. I would suggest you destroy any you see as the more plants that survive the more of a problem it will be. It is pushing out our native plants, leaving less room for the valuable plants in our country.

Thank you for suggesting that but I don't think it is, I have looked at that plant thinking it was before and it doesn't fit. Most of them are tiny but I thought it would be better to take a pic of the biggest I could find. But that seems to be the only one flowering and the flowers in the picture are all it has. Could it be something else? Or is there a certain type of Willow Herb species it is that I haven't came across?? Thank You So Much For The Help!!

[Lady Midnight]

Originally Posted by 16 shells

Willow Herb's with some rain's is gradually taking over Britain

Darn it, I really hope it's not a Willow since by female seems to love it!

[Catwoman63]

Right that does it then, its all coming out.........i thought it looked kinda pretty, but it cant stay im afraid not if its going take over everything else, thanks for for that x