Will It Be Ok For Desert Tortoises To Eat Pink Dawn Chitalpa

Question From: Yucca Valley, California, United States
Q: I have desert tortises and they love desert willow, Pink Dawn Chitalpa is a cross of that tree. Will it be ok if I plant one in thier pen and they eat the flowers???

A: I have no history with these turtles. My sense is they will feed on the leaves too and may not survive. However, I check with a pet store that sells them or a zoo. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy