Can Eastern Box Turtles eat Wood Sorrel?
Oxalis acetosella
Safety verdict
Toxic
Why
[confidence: high] [source: The Tortoise Table plant database (oxalate toxicity listings), exotic reptile veterinary nutritional review, and peer-reviewed herpetology or veterinary toxicology journal covering oxalate nephrotoxicity in chelonians.] Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.) contains high levels of soluble oxalates, which bind calcium and can lead to hypocalcemia and renal oxalate crystal deposition in Eastern Box Turtles. Repeated or significant ingestion poses a genuine toxicity risk, particularly given the chelonian sensitivity to calcium disruption.
How much / how often
Should be avoided entirely; not recommended even as an occasional treat due to oxalate toxicity risk.
Preparation
No preparation method adequately neutralizes soluble oxalates in Oxalis; avoidance is the recommended approach.
Nutrition (per 100 g)
90 mg
Calcium
36 mg
Phosphorus
2.5:1
Ca:P ratio
high
Oxalate
1.5 g
Protein
2 g
Fiber
Reviewed by admin on May 2026