they are toxic to people and dogs if eaten and causes rashes, I couldn't find anything for torts though maybe someone who has experience with them will know..
Ca Desert Tortoises love em. They are actually listed as an edible on the CTTC as well as the Arizona Fish and Game. I do not know if Russians are different in their diet or not????? I am actually going to be trying to get some planted here in Souther Cali/High Desert in the next couple of days...wish me luck
....and oh yeah...I am so jealous that you have "tons of them" LOL