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Image JPEG image Umbellifer plant
Located in Media / / PLANT TOXICITY / HEMLOCK
Image ECMAScript program Hawthorn (with Berries)
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) flowers in the spring with a strongly scented white or pale pink flower. The berries (haws) are bright red but rabbits do not eat them. Birds do, so the berries are better left on the bush for winter. No part of the plant is poisonous and can be picked at any time of the year althouth it is hampered by their thorny stems. New spring growth is not thorny and is among everyday plants to forage in the early spring when forage is scarce. Later in the year there are easier plants to pick.
Located in Media / / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Umbelliferae
Umbelliferae are plants in the parsley or carrot family (Apiaceae). Most members are aromatic herbs with feathery leaves and white or light coloured flowers that are arranged in a conspicuous flat-topped clusters. Many of these plants are enjoyed by rabbits but identification is necessary as a few species are poisonous.
Located in Media / / PLANT TOXICITY / HEMLOCK
Image JPEG image Look at stem
It is important to check the main stem and leaf stems of any plant that looks like cow parsley. Reject any plants with red or purple blotches on the stems. These are a feature of hemlock (Conium maculatum) and can also be present on rough chervil (
Located in Media / / PLANT TOXICITY / HEMLOCK
Image JPEG image Plantain (broad-leaved)
Broad-leaved plantain (Plantago major) is a common plant that grows in grassland and verges, especially on disturbed ground. The leaves can be difficult to pick without uprooting the plant. The leaves are most abundant in late summer when other forage plants have been mown on verges. Rabbit enjoy the leaves.
Located in Media / / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Sweet Cicely leaves
The leaves of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) are similar to Hemlock and Cow Parsley but are a lighter, brighter green and smell strongly of aniseed when crushed. They often have grey marks on them (see separate picture).
Located in Media / / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image ECMAScript program Wild raspberries
Wild raspberries (Rubus idaeus) can sometimes be found along hedgerows or on waste ground. The stems and leaves can be picked for rabbits. Raspberry leaves are a favourite.
Located in Media / / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Willow (goat willow) leaves
Goat willow (Salix caprea) is sometimes called pussy willow. It is a commonly found in woodland and hedges. Unlike most willows, the leaves are oval rather than long and thin. A good plant to offer rabbits.
Located in Media / / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Hogweed
Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), also known as Cow Parsnip, is a common plant in verges and grassy areas. The plant produces white flowers in late spring and summer and there is a second growth of new leaves in the autumn. Hogweed is not to be confused with Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum- see section on Plant Toxicity), which is a rare plant that grows very tall (up to 2 metres high) and causes a nasty skin reaction in people that handle it. At around I metre high, Hogweed is shorter
Located in Media / / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Ivy
There are several species of ivy (Hedera). The leaves that are illustrated are from Common Ivy (Hedera helix), which is often seen climbing over walls, and trees. It is an important plant for wildlife as it provides food and shelter. The berries are popular with birds. In humans, Hedera species can cause gastrointestinal upset when ingested. Where there is significant or prolonged skin contact, ivy can cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. It is a plant to avoid although it will not matter if a few leaves make it into the forage bag.
Located in Media / / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID