Can Painted Turtles eat Wood Sorrel?
Oxalis acetosella
Safety verdict
Toxic
Why
[confidence: high] [source: The Tortoise Table plant database, exotic reptile vet review specializing in chelonians, peer-reviewed herpetology or veterinary toxicology journal covering oxalate toxicity in freshwater turtles] Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.) contains high levels of soluble oxalates, which bind calcium and can cause metabolic bone disease, hypocalcemia, and kidney damage in Painted Turtles. Aquatic turtles like Painted Turtles are particularly vulnerable due to their calcium-dependent bone and shell development.
How much / how often
Should be avoided entirely; no safe quantity has been established for Painted Turtles.
Preparation
No preparation method neutralizes the oxalate content sufficiently to make this plant safe for regular or occasional consumption.
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