Are all varieties of Opuntia cactus OK for tortoises, or just certain types? I'd like to obtain some cactus that I can plant and grow here in northern Utah where we have very cold winters and very hot summers from (-20 to +110 Fahrenheit).
The state government has a site with a listing of drought tolerant plants that will grow in the area (http://www.waterwiseplants.utah.gov/ ), and one that they recommend is Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris) which looks a lot like the pictures of Prickly Pear that I have seen on this site although with yellow flowers instead of red, and as a bonus it is also spineless. However, since it's not the same variety that other people have mentioned for tortoise food, I'd like to make sure it is safe before I buy some for Gracie my Jordanian Greek.
The state government has a site with a listing of drought tolerant plants that will grow in the area (http://www.waterwiseplants.utah.gov/ ), and one that they recommend is Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris) which looks a lot like the pictures of Prickly Pear that I have seen on this site although with yellow flowers instead of red, and as a bonus it is also spineless. However, since it's not the same variety that other people have mentioned for tortoise food, I'd like to make sure it is safe before I buy some for Gracie my Jordanian Greek.