PLANTS TO GROW FOR TORTOISES
Grass:
Bermuda, Common Bermuda is preferred, not hybrid. Other tender lawn grasses are OK
Perennial ornamentals:
Mexican Evening Primrose, Oenothera berlandieri Invasive, surround with several feet of dry soil.
Ivy Geranium, Pelargonium pelatum, Trailing habit is within reach of tortoises.
Verbena, Verbena spp. White to purple
Gazania, Gazania spp., somewhat spreading large daisy like flowers , various colors
* Tufted Evening Primrose, Oenothera caespitosa fragrant white flowers, reseeds readily
Hollyhock, Alcea rosea, leaves and flowers
Ground covers:
White clover, Trifolium repens
Shrubs:
Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis Tall open shrub, low branching, purple flowers spring through fall
Rose, Rosa, leaves and flowers
Hibiscus, Hibiscus, Usually needs protection in winter. Large pot on patio usually works
* Globe Mallow, Sphaeralcea spp. Native. Spikes of coral colored flowers early spring
Yellow Bells or Trumpets, Stenolobium (Tecoma) stans, broad-leaf variety. Not a vine. Many large flowers, spring and summer, attracts hummingbirds.
Spineless Cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica Offer new pads, only; flowers, fruit--prickly pears. Irrigate to produce new pads. Pads ready to produce are free from Tortoise Group, Call us
* Winterfat, Ceratoides lanata, nutritious, silvery leaves, native
Vines:
Hall’s Honeysuckle, (Set base of trellis away from wall to make a shady place)
Grape, Vitis spp, offer young leaves only, no fruit
Morning Glory, Ipomoea spp perennial vine. Large dark purple flowers, not in full sun
Trees:
Elm, Ulmus spp. and Mulberry, Morus, spp., Offer young leaves only
Annuals:
Petunia, Petunia hybrida
Nasturtium, Tropaeolum spp. Plant from seed.
Pansy, Viola spp.
Portulaca (Moss Rose) Portulaca grandiflora
WEEDS THAT MAY VOLUNTEER IN YOUR YARD
Perennials:
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale An important food plant, especially for hatchlings.
Annuals:
Filaree or Heron’s Bill, Erodium cicutarium germinates in winter, feathery leaves, tiny purple flowers
Spurge, Euphorbia spp appears in lawns in summer then disappears
TOXIC PLANTS
Rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum, leaves
Tomato, Lycopersicon spp., plants
Chinaberry Tree, Melia azederach umbracalifera, leaves and fruit must be kept off irrigated grass
Oleander, Nerium oleander, leaves and flowers. Tortoises usually ignore what falls
* Native tortoise food plant. Available at the Desert Garden Center, College of So. Nevada
6221 West Charleston Blvd., just east of Rainbow Blvd on south side of the street.
