Weeds, weeds, weeds!
The definition of a weed is simply..."a plant out of place."
Weeds are a very important part of any grazing tortoise's diet. Make sure you provide plenty of variety, along with grasses,
graze mixes specific to the speces you have, and don't forget the wildflowers!
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Dot Seed Plantain ~ Plantago erecta
Dot Seed Plantain is a California native forb, and is found from sea level to 2500 feet. This is an annual plant, and grows both in sandy and clay soils. Best when planted in the fall months and allowed to stratify in the soil, but can be planted at any time of year. Dot Seed Plantain does tolerate some shade, but requires sun.
Packet (50 + seeds)
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Mouse-Ear Chickweed - Cerastium vulgatum
Mouse-Ear Chickweed is not common chickweed. This species of chickweed has creeping stems that often take root to produce new plants.
It reproduces by seed and can produce new plants from ground-hugging stems that root at the the point of attachment of the leaves
This is a Eurasian native, and relished by many species of tortoise.
The seeds of Mouse-Ear Chickweed are very tiny, and should be mixed with sandy soil and broadcasted.
Per Packet (50+ seeds):
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Common Chickweed - Stellaria media
Annual Chickweed originated in Eurasia, but has now found its way to every continent. This is a a plant relished by many species of tortoise.
The seeds of Annual Chickweed are small, and should be mixed with sandy soil and broadcasted. Chickweed is most enjoyed by broadleaf loving species such as Redfoots and Testudo.
Per Packet: (50+ seeds)
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Stork's Bill
There's one word tortoises would use if they could when finding this item in the wild...YUMMY!
Also known as Filaree, this plant is low and spreads, and is 2 to 5 inches tall. It grows from a central taproot. The stems are leafy and hairy. It is one of the first plants to germinate in late fall or spring. The llowers vary in color from pink to purple. It grows in well-drained, clayey, loamy, or sandy soil, and is tolerant of moderately acidic to moderately alkaline soils.
Per packet:
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Desert Plantain AKA Desert Wheat
Desert Plantain AKA Desert Wheat is a member of the Plantago (Plantain) family and is a fast germinating annual plant. It bears long, slender dark green leaves at the base, and hugs close to the ground, shooting large white flower spikes. This is a great forage item, tortoises really enjoy it.
This is a drought tolerant plant, withstands high temperaturates, needs bright sunlight, and needs little water once established. It prefers sandy areas with good drainage. It's often found in washes and on sandy plains.
You may wish to grow this plant in an area separate from your tortoises, and harvest the leaves as they mature. Some tortoises will consume a large plant in one sitting!
Per packet: (100+ seeds)
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Common Mallow
Mallows (Malva sp.) are nutritious "weeds" that many tortoises love to eat.
These broadleaved plants have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In many countries some varieties of mallows are added to salads.
Offering mallow as an occasional snack provides your tortoise with a vitamin packed, tasty treat.
Mallow can be started in containers indoors, or outdoors after danger of last frost has past.
Mallows may also be added to any of our grazing/forage mixes.
Packet:
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Greater Plantain/Common Wild Plantain
This is a low growing annual plantain with soft, grass-like hairy leaves.
It is often used in medicinal preparations to sooth, as well as cleanse the intestinal tract.
Adding this to other plantains, or allowing occasional grazing of this plant is thought to be excellent for good intestinal health.
Packet: (50 + seeds)
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