Edible plants for land and semi-aquatic turtles
Turtles, both land and semi-aquatic, have specific dietary needs that depend, to a greater or lesser extent, on properly selected plants. A proper diet not only affects their growth and shell hardness but also their overall immunity and lifespan. Herbivorous land species, such as Testudo hermanni or Testudo graeca, mainly prefer wild herbs and plants high in fiber, while semi-aquatic turtles, such as Clemmys guttata, readily eat aquatic and leafy plants in addition to animal-based food. In this article, I’ll explain which plants are edible for land and semi-aquatic turtles and which should be avoided to ensure your pet has a healthy and balanced diet.
Why is choosing the right plants for turtles important?
Creating a healthy plant-based diet requires knowledge of both the nutritional needs of a specific turtle species and the properties of the plants themselves. Different turtle species vary in their dietary preferences, digestive capabilities, and requirements for macronutrients and micronutrients. Some species are herbivorous, others omnivorous, and some are primarily carnivorous and eat plants only occasionally. Therefore, each species must be approached individually.
- Turtles living on grassy plains have digestive systems adapted to processing large amounts of grass, a diet rich in fiber and low in protein and sugars.
- Turtles living in more abundant habitats, such as the Mediterranean basin, have access to a richer diet, often containing large amounts of herbs and flowers. Fruits, if available, are only seasonal.
- Turtles from tropical regions benefit from a greater variety of plants and fruits year-round, and their digestive systems are adapted to a diet richer in sugars and protein.
Plants differ in composition, some contain more protein, others more sugars. An excess of either can lead to serious health problems in certain turtle species. Additionally, some plants contain harmful substances that completely exclude them from these animals’ diets. That is why it is so important not only to determine whether a given plant is safe for a turtle but also to consider its composition. Only on this basis should you create a menu for a specific turtle species.
How to balance a turtle’s plant-based diet in three steps?
I’ve prepared two lists of edible plants for turtles (you’ll find them below). The first list includes plants that can be fed daily, forming the basis of a herbivorous turtle’s diet. The second list includes plants that should be fed less frequently and in smaller quantities, as they contain components that are not beneficial to turtles in excess. By using both lists along with the tips below, you can create a varied and well-balanced diet.
Step 1 – Choosing plants
Select plants suitable for your tortoise, using the following guidelines:
- Hermann’s tortoises, Greek tortoises, marginated tortoises, Russian tortoises, and the Indian star tortoises are herbivorous. The basis of their diet consists of fresh and dried herbaceous plants, flowers, and leaves (75–90% of the diet). Fresh grasses and hay should make up a smaller portion (approx. 10–25%). Avoid vegetables and fruits, and limit plants high in protein. Some leafy vegetables can be fed during the winter if, for some reason, the tortoise does not go into hibernation.
- Leopard tortoises and African spurred tortoises are herbivorous. The basis of their diet consists of fresh grasses and hay (approx. 70–80%). The remainder consists of fresh and dried herbaceous plants, flowers, and leaves. As mentioned above, avoid vegetables and fruits and limit plants high in protein.
- red-footed tortoises, yellow-footed tortoises, and species of the genus Kinixys are omnivorous. Plants make up about 60–80% of their diet. The main components are herbaceous plants, leaves, and flowers. Fruits and vegetables can be provided as a supplement (2–3 times a week).
- turtles of the genus Terrapene are omnivorous, and plants make up about 40–50% of their diet. The plant-based portion consists primarily of herbaceous plants, leaves, and flowers. Fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms can be provided as supplements (2–3 times a week).
- spotted turtlea and other semi-aquatic turtles are omnivorous, and plants make up about 50% of their diet. However, the diet of young individuals usually contains no plants or only minimal amounts. As they age, the proportion of plants increases, reaching about 50% in individuals several years old. The plant-based portion consists primarily of aquatic plants, supplemented with herbaceous plants. Leafy vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms can be offered as supplements (2–3 times a week).
Step 2 – Plant availability
Find out which recommended plant species are actually available to you. Many of them are ornamental plants, common weeds, and meadow or forest plants. It’s worth actively searching for plants in the wild. One major advantage is that once you find a particular species, it will likely continue to grow in that spot for many years. Over time, you’ll also learn which seasonal plants are available at different times of the year. This will help you build a mental map so you know where and when to find specific species.
I also encourage you to grow edible plants for your turtle in its enclosure and in the garden out of its reach (as a reserve). If you don’t have access to a garden, use a balcony or windowsill, many plants will also thrive indoors. This way, you can provide your turtle with a highly varied diet.
Step 3 – Combining plants
Compose the diet by considering key plant components. You can feed plants from the first list almost every day. It’s important to always offer several, or even a dozen, different plant species. The more, the better. Whenever possible, vary the selection by adding new plants or replacing some of the existing ones. This will provide a varied diet and minimize the risk of any single ingredient causing harm. Remember, any plant fed in excess (as the sole main ingredient) can negatively affect your turtle’s health. Variety is key to a balanced diet.
Plants from the second list are also valuable, even though they should not be fed frequently. They are a great way to diversify the diet, offering something different each day in small amounts. Pay attention to nutritional content and avoid repeating similar components. For example, do not feed plants high in protein, oxalates, or phosphates day after day. This helps prevent excessive intake of these nutrients. The same applies to succulents, which, although generally safe, contain large amounts of water and can lead to diarrhea. In summary, you can feed 2–3 plants from the second list per day, provided they make up only a small portion of the meal and do not duplicate harmful substances. Finally, when feeding plants high in oxalates or phosphates, you should increase calcium carbonate intake by sprinkling the food with a larger amount of a supplement, such as Tropical Vigorept Mineral.
Finally, pay attention to proportions. If a given species requires, for example, 70% grasses and 30% herbaceous plants, you should maintain these ratios regardless of the number of plant species used. The same principle applies to omnivorous and carnivorous turtles.
Where to look for plants and how to plan their collection?
You can collect plants once a week, for example during a weekend walk through nearby meadows, parks, or forests. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the area and its distance from roads. A distance of about 50 m from low-traffic roads and 100–150 m from highways is considered safe. Plants should not be sprayed with pesticides. Those growing near fields are particularly at risk. If you are unsure about spraying schedules, collect plants away from fields, on fallow land, in forests, green belts, clearings, or meadows.
Since many species are seasonal, it’s worth visiting the same locations at least once a month to check for new plants. The most noticeable changes occur in March, April, and May, when many forest understory plants appear that won’t be present later in the year. Meadows also change significantly from month to month. Later in the year, from June through autumn, changes still occur, though less dynamically.
If you have a garden, consider creating a section for wild herbaceous plants commonly regarded as weeds. This ensures easy access to at least some species. Some edible plants are also ornamental and can be planted in your garden, serving both decorative and dietary purposes. Make sure they are not exposed to pesticide drift from neighboring areas or planted too close to busy roads. You can also grow such plants on a balcony or windowsill.
How many plants for a turtle?
The amount of plants you collect depends on your daily feeding needs. Gather enough plants from the first list to last the entire week, and only small amounts from the second list for occasional supplementation. When collecting plants, follow these rules to protect natural populations:
- Take only a portion no more than ¼ of the plants from a given area, or just leaves and flowers from a single plant.
- Do not pull plants out by the roots cut stems or leaves to allow regeneration.
- Do not damage plants you are not collecting they are important for insects, birds, and other animals.
If collecting clumps of grass or whole plants for planting or feeding, remove only one specimen from a given population and fill in the hole afterward. This ensures long-term availability. Overharvesting can cause plants to disappear from the area over time.
How to store plants for a turtle?
Rinse harvested plants under running water and let them dry slightly. Divide them into two groups. Place one group in water (like flowers in a vase) to keep them fresh for several days. Store the other group in a bag in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh longer. Some species can remain fresh for up to two weeks under these conditions. Before feeding, take them out and allow them to reach room temperature. Any excess can be dried for later use, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Store dried plants in an airtight container or plastic bag in a dry, dark place.
Seasonality in turtle nutrition
Some turtle species come from regions with seasonal droughts and significant changes in food availability. These species often hibernate, see the article Wintering land and semi-aquatic turtles, and seasonal dietary changes help prepare their bodies for this process. Therefore, in captivity, seasonal variation should be introduced, especially when preparing turtles for hibernation. Even if a turtle does not hibernate, access to fresh plants is limited in winter.
- Spring brings lush, fresh greenery, with an abundance of flowers, buds, and leaves. Plants are rich in water and highly diverse.
- In summer, heat waves and droughts begin. Some plants finish blooming and die off, while others become more fibrous or wither.
- In autumn, only small numbers of young plants appear, and most species end their growing season. Locally, fruits from trees and shrubs may also be available.
As in the wild, herbivorous turtles should also consume dried plants. Introduce them gradually to help turtles adjust. Most turtles prefer fresh plants, which is natural. They consume dried vegetation when fresh food is scarce. Gradually increase the proportion of dried plants. Initially, you can leave uneaten plants to dry in the enclosure (if they can dry quickly and won’t mold). Add fresh food only after the dried portion has been eaten. Over time, increase the amount of dried plants to prepare turtles for a pre-hibernation diet. You can dry plants yourself or purchase ready-made dried herb and flower mixes, as well as hay.
Plants edible for turtles
This list includes plants that you can feed your turtle every day.
- long-leaved bear’s breeches (Acanthus longifolius) – remove the thorns before feeding
- baby sun rose (Aptenia cordifolia)
- aster (genus Aster)
- ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and broadleaf plantain (P. major)
- bamboo (genus Fargesia) – unpalatable to turtles, but edible
- white campion (Silene latifolia) and red campion (S. dioica)
- bristly hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus)
- birch (genus Betula) – leaves can be fed
- buddleja (genus Buddleja) – flowers can be fed
- Italian chicory (genus Cichorium) – leafy vegetable
- common chicory (Cichorium intybus) – leaves and flowers can be fed
- Zinnia (genus Zinnia) – flowers can be fed
- hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica)
- Diascia (genus Diascia)
- kidney weed, Mercury Bay weed (Dichondra repens)
- black mullein (Verbascum nigrum)
- wall bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana), creeping bellflower (C. rapunculoides), harebell (C. rotundifolia), and other species of the genus – flowers may be fed
- Cichorium endivia var. crispa – leafy vegetable
- garden pansy (Viola x wittrocckiana), field pansy (Viola arvensis), wild pansy (V. tricolor), and sweet violet (V. odorata)
- phlox (genus Phlox)
- forsythia (genus Forsythia) – flowers can be fed
- yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon)
- large-flowered self-heal (Prunella grandiflora)
- hawkweed oxtongue (Picris hieracioides)
- Gerbera (genus Gerbera) – flowers can be fed
- hebe (genus Hebe)
- hibiscus: Syrian ketmia (Hibiscus syriacus) and Chinese hibiscus (H. sinensis) – flowers and leaves may be given
- white dead-nettle (Lamium album)
- red/purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) – do not confuse with henbit deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule), which is poisonous
- ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
- Echinacea (genus Echinacea)
- blackberry (genus Fruticosus) – leaves may be fed
- cabomba (Cabomba) – aquatic plant (invasive species, cultivation prohibited)
- Calibrachoa (genus Calibrachoa) – flowers may be fed in small quantities
- clarkia (genus Clarkia)
- Italian strawflower (Helichrysum italicum)
- coleus (genus Coleus)
- cosmos (genus Cosmos) – flowers may be fed
- meadow goat’s beard (Tragopogon pratensis)
- yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- marjoram (Origanum majorana), common marjoram, oregano (O. vulgare)
- common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) – flowers and leaves may be administered
- daylilies (genus Hemerocallis) – flowers may be administered
- common nipplewort (Lapsana communis)
- thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- raspberry (Rubus idaeus) – leaves may be served
- common hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
- lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- annual honesty (Lunaria annua)
- mint (genus Mentha)
- flat sea holly (genus Eryngium) – remove thorns before use; this plant is protected; harvesting is permitted only from cultivated plants
- lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
- milk thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
- dandelion (Taraxacus officinalis) – flowers and young leaves may be used; older leaves are rich in oxalates
- Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis) – aquatic plant, invasive species, cultivation prohibited
- Alpine soft-thistle (Cicerbita alpina) – only cultivated plants may be fed, as it is a protected species
- white mulberry (Morus alba) and black mulberry (M. nigra) – leaves may be fed
- paper mulberry (Broussonetya papifera) – leaves may be fed
- calliopsis (genus Coreopsis)
- marigold (genus Calenduleae)
- garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
- nemesia (genus Nemesia)
- forget-me-not (genus Myosotis)
- thistle (genera Carduus and Cirsium) – before serving, cut off the spiny edges of the leaves; leaves and flowers may be served
- red valerian (Centranthus ruber)
- floating fern (genus Salvinia) – aquatic plant
- eastern pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria officinalis)
- geraniums (genus Pelargonium) – flowers may be served
- petunia and surfinias (genus Petunia and hybrids) – flowers may be served
- smooth hawksbears (Crepis capillaris)
- silverweed (Potentilla anserina)
- Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) – flowers may be administered
- ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria)
- coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
- common nettle (Urtica dioica) – young leaves may be consumed
- currant (genus Ribes) – leaves may be consumed
- common rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium)
- Alpine’s cat’s ear (Hypochoeris uniflora)
- hairy cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata)
- alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)
- mesembryanthemum (genus Mesembryanthemum)
- cleavers (Galium aparine)
- lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
- bee balm (genus Monarda)
- corn salad (Valerianella miller) – leafy vegetable
- rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
- rose (genus Rosa) – flowers may be served
- chamomile (genus Matricaria)
- duckweed (Lemna minor) – aquatic plant
- saxifrage (genus Saxifraga)
- sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia)
- common daisy (Bellis perennis)
- common sage (Salvia officinalis)
- common mallow (Malva silvestris), musk mallow (M. moschata), Mauritanian mallow (M. mauritanica), and dwarf mallow (M. neglecta)
- malva (genus Lavatera)
- Astilbe (genus Astilbe)
- Spiraea (genus Spiraea)
- wild licorice (Astragalus glycyphyllos)
- grasses (preferably the ryegrass genus Lolium) and true grasses (Poaceae) – seeds should be avoided as they contain high levels of phosphorus and carbohydrates
- strawberry and wild strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) – leaves may be fed
- spider plant (genus Chlorophytum)
- floating crystalwort (Riccia fluitans) – aquatic plant
- honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) – flowers may be given
- evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) – may be given during the flowering period
- willow (genus Salix) – leaves may be fed
- grapes (Vitis vinifera) – leaves may be fed
- common whitlowgrass (Erophila verna)
- common snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) – leaves and flowers may be given; do not confuse with the poisonous purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea)
- velvetleaf (Abutilon) – flowers may be given
- spider plant (genus Chlorophytum)
- potato weed (Galinsoga parviflora)
Plants edible for turtles, adding variety to the diet
Use the plants on this list less frequently and in smaller quantities. Remember not to include plants with similar nutritional profiles in a single meal.
- Aloe vera (Aloe vera) – a succulent, high in water content
- begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
- Bignonia (genus Bignonia) – flowers can be fed
- dovesfoot geranium (Geranium molle) – unpalatable to turtles; too much limits iron absorption
- beet (Beta vulgaris) – leaves (beet greens) can be fed in small amounts; they contain oxalates
- cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), greater knapweed (C. scabiosa), and black knapweed (C. nigra) – have a diuretic effect
- zucchini, squash, and pumpkin (Cucurbita) – flowers and fruits can be fed
- ivy-leavedtoadflax (Cymbalaria muralis)
- garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) – contains high levels of phosphates and glucosinolates
- wild garlic (Allium ursinum)—only cultivated plants may be fed, as it is partially protected
- dahlia (genus Dahlia)—flowers and leaves may be fed
- blue bugleweed (Ajuga genevensis) and creeping bugle (A. reptans)
- Delosperma (genus Delosperma) – a succulent, contains a lot of water and oxalates
- lipstick echeveria (Echeveria agavoides) – a succulent, contains a lot of water
- fuchsia (genus Fuchsia) – flowers may be fed
- hosta (genus Hosta) – contains saponins; feed in small amounts
- gasteria (genus Gasteria) – succulent, contains a lot of water
- Gazania splendens – flowers may be given
- wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) – contains glucosinolates
- carnation (genus Dianthus) – contains saponins, small amounts may be given
- jade plant (Crassula ovata) – succulent, contains a lot of water
- christmas cactus (genus Schlumbergera) – succulent, contains a lot of water
- chickweed (Stellaria media) – contains saponins, feed in small amounts
- haworthia (genus Haworthia) – succulent, contains a lot of water
- common stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium)
- wall hawkweed (Hieracium murorum) – mature leaves may be fed when the diet is high in fiber and low in protein
- yucca (genus Yucca) – flowers may be fed
- rutland beauty (Calystegia sepium)
- field maple (Acer campestre) – contains a large amount of sugars; leaves can be fed
- white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (T. pratense), field clover (T. campestre) – contain a lot of protein
- crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica purpurea)
- Lampanthus – a succulent, contains a lot of water and oxalates
- alfalfa (genus Medicago), black medick (Medicago lupulia) – contains a lot of protein
- California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) – contains glycosides and alkaloids; feed in very small amounts
- carrot (genus Daucus) – leaves may be fed
- nasturtium (genus Tropaeolum) – contains oxalates
- impatiens (genus Impatiens) – contains oxalates; flowers may be fed
- opuntia (genus Opuntia) – a succulent, contains a lot of water; remove the spines before feeding
- fruits: raspberries, blackberries, wild strawberries, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, papaya, apple, pear, peach, melon – feed in moderation to species that can eat fruit
- creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans)
- shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) – is unpalatable to turtles and bitter; small amounts may be served
- field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
- germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) and Persian speedwell (V. persica)
- houseleek (genus Sempervivum) – a succulent, contains a lot of water
- white stonecrop (Sedum album), showy stonecrop (S. spectabile), reflexed stonecrop (S. reflexum, S. rupestre), broadleaf stonecrop (S. spathulifolium), and two-row stonecrop (S. spurium) – succulents, contain a lot of water
- rucola, arugula (Eruca vesicaria) – leafy vegetable
- cuckoo flower (Cardamine pratensis)
- common radish (Raphanus sativus) – the leaves can be served
- French honeysuckle (genus Hedysarum)
- baby’s tears (Helxine soleirolii)
- hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale)
- shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) – contains large amounts of protein, phosphates, and saponins
- bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) – leaves may be fed
- verbena (genus Verbena) – very small amounts and only the flowers may be fed
- elm (genus Ulmus) – young leaves may be fed
- tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) – contains thujone; very small amounts may be fed
- bush vetch (Vicia sepium), bird vetch (V. cracca), and common vetch (V. sativa) – avoid seeds; the plants contain large amounts of protein
- Aubrieta (Aubrieta adans) – contains oxalates and phosphates
- Coral bells (genus Heuchera) – contain high levels of tannins
Compiled based on personal experience and literature.
Literature
- Bühring U. 2010. All About Herbs, trans. Garbarczyk H., Zaniewska A. (Wydawnictwo Świat Książki, 2010).
- Online encyclopedia: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%BB%C3%B3%C5%82w_stepowy.
- https://www.terrarium.com.pl/zywienie-zolwi-ladowych-z-basenu-morza-srodziemnego/.
- https://www.turtles.pl/rosliny-jadalne-dla-zolwi-naturalny-pokarm-dla-zolwi/.
- https://www.zolw.info/hodowla/zywienie/rosliny-polne-dla-zolwi.
- http://www.zwierzyniec.wroclaw.pl/txt/dieta-zolwi-ladowych.
- Schuiten B.I. 2008. Animals in the Terrarium, trans. Borycka-Zakrzewska J. (REA Publishing House, 2011), 107–120.
- Ullrich W. 2001. Amphibians and Reptiles in the Terrarium, trans. Karwat M. (Jerzy Mostowski Publishing Agency, 2005), 104–109.
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