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Plants dangerous to tortoises

Tortoises graze on weeds and flowers. Many garden ornamentals are unsafe.

Tortoises

Warning signs: Loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, diarrhea.

If you suspect poisoning: remove any plant material, keep a sample, and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

12 plants to keep away from tortoises

  • Lilies (true lilies & daylilies)

    Severe

    Acute kidney failure; even pollen or vase water can be fatal.

  • Foxglove

    Severe

    Cardiac glycosides cause heart arrhythmia and collapse.

  • Azalea & rhododendron

    Severe

    Grayanotoxins cause vomiting, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm.

  • Oleander

    Severe

    Cardiac glycosides disrupt heart rhythm; can be fatal in small amounts.

  • Avocado (leaves, pit, skin)

    Severe

    Persin causes heart damage and respiratory distress.

  • Rhubarb leaves

    Severe

    Oxalic acid causes kidney damage and tremors.

  • Daffodil

    Moderate

    Bulbs cause vomiting, drooling and, in large amounts, heart problems.

  • Tulip

    Moderate

    Bulbs irritate the mouth and stomach, causing vomiting and drooling.

  • Buttercup

    Moderate

    Blistering of the mouth, drooling and colic.

  • English ivy

    Moderate

    Saponins cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

  • Euphorbia (pencil cactus, crown of thorns)

    Moderate

    Caustic sap burns the mouth and eyes.

  • Hydrangea

    Mild

    Cyanogenic glycosides cause vomiting and diarrhea.

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General information only, not veterinary advice. Toxicity varies with the amount eaten and the animal's size.