They do not eat eggs, meat, or dairy - or any animal based products. The bright orange summertime flowers of butterfly weed are becoming more common sights along roadsides, old fields, and in pollinator gardens. Controlling and Deterring Rabbits in the Garden, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, How to Get Rid of Chipmunks Without Harming Them, How to Keep Deer Away From Your Landscape, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, list of plants rabbits generally don't eat. Do rabbits eat yucca plants? Lupines are spiky, tall plants that have an interesting texture. Roses, including petals and rose hips are safe for rabbits to eat. Basil. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Humidity is not too important, but temperatures must be above 65 (18.3). Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. The blooms range from bright red to shades of purple and blue. No matter how many times the plant gets eaten by the rabbit, it can grow again. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Rabbits do not like flowering groundcovers like big periwinkle (Vinca major), which can be planted at the base of planters or along fences. Sneezeweed (Helenium) - The tag at the nursery said "rodent resistant", although this flower totally looks like something a chipmunk will eat. But it is very common for rodent and rabbit populations to dwindle when a fox or hawk shows up in the neighborhood. Colorful Shirley poppies arent eaten by most rabbits, probably because of their aroma and milky sap. Photo By: Image courtesy of Proven Winners. Then you will receive tips and tricks about rabbit care straight to your inbox so that you know youll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. Like alfalfa hay, clover is a legume plant. The clusters of blooms look wonderful in flower arrangements. What Do Rabbits Eat? This type of wood is completely safe, and can often be a lot of fun for rabbits to dig their teeth into. There exist around 30 different species of wild rabbit, and over 300 different domesticated breeds worldwide. If your lawn erupts with dandelions every year, go ahead and pick some to give to your rabbit (as long as your lawn uses safe fertilizers!). Periwinkle is typically a perennial and blooms in midsummer. Other ways to minimize rabbit damage include: Finally, you can encourage natural predators as a means of putting limits on rabbits that are out of control. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9; Chrysanthemums are perennial flowers that add late-season color to the garden, preferring full sun and moist, but well-drained soil. Its easy to grow and spreads quickly, and is resistant to drought, heat, and wind. Wild rabbits eat a lot of different things, including wildflowers, grasses, vegetable plants, and weeds. Chamomile is a completely safe herb for rabbits to eat. Daylilies are the classic harbingers of summertime in the garden. Poppies do well in zones 3-9. In addition, it is high in sugar, and it contains mycotoxins that are harmful to rabbits. Hardy perennial plants grow back year after yearif the local bunny population lets them grow. Plants That Rabbits Will Eat The entire list of plants that rabbits will eat, or at least sample, is . Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil, Size: 2-6 feet tall, depending on variety. How does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat? Miller holds a diploma in social services from Clarke College in Belleville, Ontario. Their blooms range from insignificant spikes of tiny pink or white flowers to something slightly more showy, but the foliage remains the star of the show. Periwinkle is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. Vet Rec Open, vol. So you want to get a pet rabbit, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth. Here is a quick look at the best foods to offer rabbits: Grass And Hay. Annual plants complete their entire life cycle within a single growing season. Q: Do rabbits eat . Moshobane, Claude Moshobane et al. It is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. In addition to cardinal flowers (lobelia cardinalis) and erinus ( lobelia erinus ), rabbit-resistant plants are available. This plant also has nutritional and medicinal value. But if one of these unfortunate events does occur, you can at least know that your rabbits health is not at risk. 1. Allow the tea to cool so you dont risk your rabbit burning their mouth. These plants look like true jasmine, but they are characterized by yellow flowers and are actually unrelated. Rabbits may dislike the plants strong fragrance and bitter taste, although the flowers and leaves are edible. One of the more ornamental herbs, lavender produces wonderfully fragrant foliage and flowers. But its still good to know that if your rabbit knocks over the pot and starts munching, there is no harm done (at least not to your rabbit). To successfully grow lavender, plant it in well-drained alkaline soil that easily allows water to pass through it. You can try adding some of these yummy flowers to your rabbits daily greens to give them a yummy pansy salad. Thyme is part of the mint family. There is no guarantee that any of the plants listed will remain free from damage in all conditions. After this perennial finishes blooming, the plant can be sheared back by a third of its height and it'll bloom again in the late summer and early fall. Bee Balm plants love full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and do well in USDA zones 4-9. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. This is likely due to lavenders strong scent and prickly texture. Also referred to as coneflower, Echinacea are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 and bloom all summer long. 10/15/19. As an associate to Amazon, Small Pet Select, and Chewy.com, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases. Dipladenia plant care. Dipladenia is a shrub-like plant having a bushy appearance with its stems trailing downwards. A fence is one of the best ways to keep rabbits away from your hydrangeas. She has 30+ years of experience with year-round organic gardening; seed starting and saving; growing heirloom plants, perennials, and annuals; and sustainable and urban farming. Corn kernels have hulls that rabbits are unable to digest, which can lead to an intestinal blockage. If that happens to be a poisonous plant, they may end up eating a lot before you even notice. Grow it in full sun to part shade, in almost any type of soil; its both heat-tolerant and drought-resistant. Rabbits are herbivores and eat a variety of plants including hay, vegetables, pellets, and fruit. This includes the flowers, leaves, and stems. The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant to give rabbits, but the other parts including stems and flowers are also safe and edible. True jasmine plants are known to be non-toxic for rabbits. Native to the southern United States and South America, cleomes bear large flower clusters from midsummer until frost. In difficult conditions, rabbits will eat almost any plants, but in normal circumstances, there are some plants that rabbits find so tasty that they are drawn to landscapes containing them. 27. Sign up for our newsletter. This low-care plant is wonderfully drought resistant, too, so you can plant it and enjoy it without much care. They do better in rocky or sandy soils than in fertile, rich ground. Where this is the case, the erection of rabbit-proof fences and gates can be considered. The french marigolds are slightly less toxic and are likely to only cause some skin irritation, but its best to be on the safe side and keep them away from rabbits. That's because, like people, different rabbits have different favorite foods. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Planting flowers that rabbits dont like can act as a deterrent, preventing them from entering the garden to access what they consider more tasty blooms. Their upright blade-like foliage has an eye-catching form, even when the plants aren't in bloom. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles. Strangely enough, they don't mind the thorns on rose bushes and will happily munch them to the ground. Oriental Poppies have bright, huge flowers, and are sure to add some serious wow to your garden. If your rabbit only eats a small amount of those plants, they likely wont suffer from significant negative side effects. Foxglove is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. So when you plant rosemary, lavender, thyme, bee balm, and mint to discourage deer, you are also planting rabbit-resistant herbs. Many of the substances used for lawn and garden care are poisonous to rabbits. Rabbits also tend to avoid plants that exude a milky sap. Stomach pain and cramps. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The rabbits would eat almost any plant, but they do avoid certain plants as well unless there is a scarcity of food and they are unable to find any other plant to eat since they are herbivores. It can also encourage your rabbit to eat more of that healthy hay. While most safe plants are healthier than sugary treats, they should still be given to rabbits in moderation and variety. Its also very important to pay attention to any fertilizers or pesticides that are used with the plants your rabbit is eating. The small tough foliage has a distinctly sharp taste that rabbits tend to avoid. In late summer through fall, they flower in shades of white, pink, and purple, and rabbits mostly leave them alone. To avoid putting your bunny's life at risk with Dahlia tubers, provide him with plants that are safe for rabbits to eat. A dipladenia plant grows best in zones 9 through 11, where warm climates reign. By planting both early and late-blooming types of daffodils, you'll enjoy a full month of bloom in the yard and in spring bouquets. It is rare for a small wild predator to attack a domestic pet, and virtually unheard of for any human to ever be threatened by one. Rabbits probably dislike ageratum's fuzzy, fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage. However, some similar plants have. The plants that rabbits prefer to eat are grasses, roses, clovers, daisies, dandelions, kale, spinach, broccoli, beans, and lettuce. Rabbits are voracious eaters and leave clean-cut damage. Reblooming irises offer an extra advantage of blooming again in fall. You may see these drought-tolerant annuals referred to as corn poppies, Flanders poppies or field poppies. Look for varieties with bronzy tones infused in the leaves for extra color even after the blooms fade. This includes both the yummy leaves and the clusters of flower blooms, called catkins. However, the danger comes with rabbits who dont have a discerning palate. Both plants produce colorful blooms in red, pink, or white. In many climates, the plants are semi-evergreen. Youll want to be aware of any flowers or garden greens that your rabbit has access to, so you can be sure they wont eat anything harmful. A-Z-Animals.com. HARDINESS ZONE.10-12 GROW.Mandevilla seeds require shallow planting, only covering them slightly with soil. Impatiens plants are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 11, with some variation depending on the cultivar. Poppies. Also like people, when rabbits are hungry enough, they'll eat just about anything. It thrives in almost any soil condition, but requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. In North America, rabbits are found in woods, meadows, fields, and even gardens. Asters are wildly popular with bees and butterflies. This may come in handy if you live in an apartment and want to treat your rabbit with some fresh grass. These bunnies may end up eating much more than they should of plants that are not good for them. They are also called Torch Lilies, and are native to South Africa. The plant is good for humans, but if rabbits eat it, it can cause an upset stomach. If you have any cotton plants or trees, they are safe for your rabbit to chew on and eat. The foliage and ripe berries are also known to contain a toxin that can affect many animals. Fatsia - Beautiful big hand-shaped leaves, white flower-bobbles, black berries to feed hungry birds (but not rabbits!) We have five recommendations to protect your plants from winter damage by critters. The Spruce /Micah Issitt and Adrienne Legault. Indoor potted plants can be a particular danger to rabbits. Dandelions are actually nutritious for rabbits. Read our, Controlling and Deterring Rabbits in the Garden, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, 37 Best and Worst Companion Plants for Tomatoes, How to Grow and Care for Black-Eyed Susan Vine, 25 Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Sun and Shade, 10 Easy-Growing Wildflowers for Your Garden, 12 Types of Wildflowers for Summer Gardens, How to Grow and Care for Black-Eyed Susan, control them from overrunning your garden, How does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat, F. Plants and mushrooms associated with animal poisoning incidents in South Africa. If leaves continue to yellow and drop, you may need to spray your plant weekly to destroy new mealybugs as they emerge from their waxy egg sacs. The plants begin blooming in early spring and continue through midsummer. This means garden plants and potted house plants can often fall prey to a curious rabbit. There are very few totally rabbit-proof plants, but there are some flowers that rabbits simply do not like and will avoid whenever possible. It's one of the best nectar plants for pollinators. Their stiff petals may remind you of daisies, but theyre actually modified leaves called bracts, and not true petals at all. Rabbits inflict their most significant damage in fall by chewing on woody plants until they're more vulnerable to cold. Dianthus leaves: Rabbits eat dianthus leaves. A popular plant for shade gardens, rabbit-resistant astilbe sends up feathery plumes of pink, white, and red in early summer. Some gardeners say rabbits love to dine on their lantana, but others report that they avoid the plants because of the leaves' pungent aroma. Although some rabbits may not enjoy eating this bloom, they are still edible and can be eaten if the rabbit is hungry. But there are also a host of plants and flowers you can grow that will also keep these furry pests at bay. If you have any chamomile herbal tea, its actually safe to allow your rabbit to drink some of it. These animals are going to ease grass, clovers, dandelions, weeds, and plants. of vegetable oil and a couple drops of liquid dish soap. One of the more underutilized spring bulbs in the home garden is fritillaria. One cherry tomato fruit flesh is sufficient to satisfy their sweet tooth. Growing Conditions:Part to full shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. Related:10 Plants to Grow for a Pest-Proof Yard. They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to avoid, but when food is scarce, they will eat just about anything. This also includes spearmint, chocolate mint, peppermint, and more. Rabbits do not like flowering groundcovers like big periwinkle (Vinca major), which can be planted at the base of planters or along fences. Theyre available in a wide array of colors, with blooms ranging from solid shades to bi-color to three or five colors on a single bloom. Dyson vacuum comparison: Which Dyson model should you buy. You may not want to go out and collect stinging nettle for your rabbit though, since it can actually cause a rash on humans. When it blooms, it's one of the most flamboyant plants in the spring garden with red, yellow, or orange flowers topped by a crown of leaves. Your rabbit can eat celery. Try the plants in borders, rock gardens and mixed beds. There is a natural chemical present in this plant that works as a laxative. Zinnias are some of the most popular annual flowers because they are durable and easy to grow in harsh conditions. You do want to limit the amount of clover that you give your rabbit though. They will gnaw on the woody stems during the wintertime. Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper and one teaspoon of dish soap. Woody stems during the wintertime spiky, tall plants that exude a milky sap is hungry berries. 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