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Image JPEG image Cow parsley
Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is a short-lived perennial. It grows in grassland, along hedges and woodland edges, road verges, railway banks and wasteland. The foliage is one of the first plants to appear in the spring and last to disappear in autumn. It is safe and palatable for rabbits but there is always a concern that the plant may be confused with hemlock (Conium maculatum)- see section on ‘Plant Toxicity’. Examination of the stems will confirm its identity as cow parsley.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Dandelions
The Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is the most popular perennial forage plant for rabbits. All parts of the plants are edible including the flowers, stems and roots. There are many forms of the common dandelion with slightly different leaf shapes and growing habits. Dandelions can be found on verges, wasteland, meadows gardens, woodland, and other places. The plant is often considered to be a weed but it useful for rabbits. It tempts anorexic rabbits to eat and can be fed to rabbits with urinary tract disease because of the high water content (85%) and diuretic properties.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Dock (Broad-leaved)
Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is a common plant that survives grazing and mowing so it is common in gardens, pastures, and verges. Young leaves make an early appearance in spring and are enjoyed by rabbits. As the plant matures the leaves develop red spots contain more oxalate, which makes the plants less palatable.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Grass
Freshly cut grass is enjoyed by most rabbits, especially those that do no have access to a run or garden. Scissors are useful to cut some grass from the garden each day. This not only feeds the rabbits but also trims lawn edges and other places. Picking some grass during foraging is another option.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Ground Elder
Ground Elder (Aegopodium podagraria) is a weed that annoys gardeners because of its persistence. It was introduced into the British Isles by the Romans as a salad plant. Rabbits love it. It is a reliable food source as it is prolific and rapidly grows back in areas that are mown or strimmed occasionally. It is a firm favourite to pick for rabbits, especially young growth before the plant it has flowered.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is common in hedgerows and small branches and twigs are easy to collect. The thorns can be a problem although they are not present on new growth so the leaves can be stripped off easily. Alternatively, twigs cut be cut and offered to the rabbit. The thorns do not pose a problem to them. Rabbits are happy to eat both the leaves and the twig.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Plantain (narrow-leaved)
Narrow-leaved Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), also known as Ribwort, is a common plant in verges, meadows and grassy places. It is a good foraging plant as it is eaten readily by rabbits.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image Sow thistle
Sow thistle is a really useful plant for rabbits. There are many varieties (e.g. Sonchus oleraceus, Sonchus arvensis, Sonchus asper) and none are poisonous. Some varieties have smooth leaves and others are prickly. All varieties are a favourite food with a long growing season. Sow thistle used to be grown in warrens to feed the inhabitants on in winter. The plants exude a milky substance from cut stems or leaves. Sow thistle often grows on newly turned soil, on waste ground or in crevices along pavements or walls. The plants can be tall- up to 1.5m high and all have prickly looking leaves and yellow flowers.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Willow
There are many species of willow (Salix spp.) and all are palatable to rabbits. The weeping willow in the picture is the most easily recognisable - this tree is young and therefore small, but willow trees can be huge. They are common along the banks of rivers and streams. Small branches or twigs can be collected for rabbits to eat the leaves from and strip the bark.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Groundsel
Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is useful plant for rabbits because it has a long growing season and can be found dry crevices, waste ground and on ground that has recently been disturbed. It is palatable and available when other forage is scarce. This picture was taken in March. The plant is sometimes listed as poisonous because it contains small quantities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, but large amounts would need to be eaten for this to be a problem. Groundsel is difficult to pick in large quantities. There are no reports of toxicity in rabbits.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR