11 Poisonous Plants for Rabbits That You Should Avoid

Poisonous plants for rabbits need careful consideration, especially when you let your bunnies roam around your garden.

Whether indoor or outdoor, there are plants that contain irritating or lethal substances that can cause harm to pet rabbits and other domestic animals.

While some on the list – for example hydrangeas and lilies – are quite beautiful, remember that they can harm curious nibblers, as well as children.

Poisonous Plants to Avoid Around Rabbits

1. Deadly Nightshade

Normally, these grow in the wild. If you spot them in your garden, make sure to remove them immediately. While these are not always grown intentionally, the occasional seed can sprout in your garden without warning.

Eating a few berries can result in fatal consequences, even in children. Keep this plant away from your rabbits to keep them safe.

2. Hydrangea

Beautiful clusters of pastel flowers belie the damage the plant can do to rabbits. If you have them in your garden or at home as arrangements, keep your rabbits from nibbling on them.

All parts of the plant are highly toxic and harmful to rabbits and may cause gastrointestinal issues. Amygdalin, which is a precursor compound to cyanide, is found in hydrangeas.

3. Chrysanthemum

Bright and attractive mums are garden regulars for many cottage homes. However, they can pose a threat when curious bunnies chance upon them.

The leaves and stems of many chrysanthemum plants may affect rabbits negatively, especially when eaten in large quantities. The compound pyrethrin can cause rabbits to feel lethargic or have seizures.

4. Lilies

Elegant and simple, lilies are often grown as ornamentals in gardens. As cut flowers, they are often in demand, especially on special occasions, such as Valentine’s and Mother’s days.

Most lilies have different toxicity levels when it comes to rabbits, yet they can still have adverse effects. The usual symptoms are gastrointestinal issues.

5. Onions

All onions and their close relatives tend to be useful plants for herb gardens, and they also make wonderful companion plants. However, they don’t always work well with rabbits.

All parts of the onion and its corresponding plant cousins are toxic for rabbits. Fortunately, rabbits instinctively keep away from them as onions can make them weak and dizzy.

6. Poppy

Bright and beautiful poppies always bring a smile to onlookers and gardeners. Despite their vividly cheery appearance, poppies are not the best plants when rabbits are around.

The opium alkaloids found in poppies are extremely toxic to rabbits. While the whole plant can harm them, the seeds are particularly poisonous due to their high levels of opium alkaloids.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are not the best plants to grow around free-range rabbits. Tomato plants belong to the nightshade family, making them toxic to pet rabbits.

The stems and leaves, in particular, are quite toxic due to their solanine content. The fruits, however, are not toxic.

8. Rhododendron

 Despite their beauty, they can still pose a threat to rabbits. The roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of rhododendron plants are all toxic for rabbits.

Even food made from these plants, such as honey, can prove fatal. Symptoms of poisoning in rabbits should be met with immediate first aid.

9. Yellow Iris

 A staple in many gardens or as indoor house plants, these beauties can still present a danger to curious rabbits.

The juice from the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of the yellow iris can cause rabbits to experience severe discomfort. In extreme cases, rabbits can die from ingesting yellow irises.

10. Buttercups

While they are wonderfully attractive, they are not ideal plants to grow around rabbits. All buttercup varieties are highly toxic to rabbits, particularly the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. They can cause the rabbit to have an inflamed mouth or experience digestive issues.

11. Hyacinth

While this plant is mildly toxic, it can be dangerous if your rabbit ingests the plant in large quantities.

Keep rabbits from consuming all parts of the flower, from the bulbs to the roots to the leaves and flowers. Where possible, place barriers around the flowers to keep your rabbits from nibbling on them.

Conclusion

To consider plants poisonous to rabbits, they need to have chemical compounds that can cause them harm.

Here are some things we need to remember:

• While these plants are common types found in many gardens, you need to ensure that your rabbit is physically kept away from them.
• Poisonous plants for rabbits symptoms can include inflamed mouths, digestive problems, seizures, lethargy, and even death.
• Here’s what to do if a rabbit eats poisonous plant parts: immediately call your veterinarian for advice and help.
• The biggest plant families that are toxic to rabbits are those that belong to the nightshade family, as well as those in the iris family.
• If you have any of these plants in your garden, place barriers around them to keep rabbits and other animals from eating them.

While some toxic plants are safe for humans, they are not always the same for rabbits. With this list of plants in your hands, you can now begin to safeguard your rabbits from harmful plants. 

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