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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 ECMAScript program Hogweed leaf
This is a young leaf of Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium). These leaves can be found in places that are periodically mown, such as verges. These leaves are very palatable.
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 Sow thistle (another variety)
Sow thistle (Sonchus sp) can be found in grassland on verges and in waste ground. Although some varieties with prickly leaves have the appearance of the common thistle, it is not as prickly and can be picked easily. The flowers are yellow not purple, and the stems exude a milky substance when cut.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Sweet cicely seeds
The seeds Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) are large, dark brown, and easy to pick. They appear in late summer. Not only do the seeds help to identify the plant but some can be taken home to sow in the garden. The plant is attractive as well as providing forage.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Sweet Cicely leaves with characteristic marks
The leaves of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) also often have grey 'splashes' on them that differentiates them from hemlock.
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 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