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Bindweed (Hedge)
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Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) is a safe plant for rabbits. They love it. Its sister plant - Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)- has a question mark over it because it contains toxins. The plants can be differentiated by their flowers, leaves and the way they grow. Hedge bindweed has large pure white flowers and grows vertically, twining around plants as it goes. It is commonly found in hedges.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Birch leaves
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Several types of birch tree (Betula spp.) are found in UK. These leaves are from a Downy birch tree (Betula pubescens). The leaves and not toxic but not a favourite with rabbits who are unlikely to eat them. The branches and twigs may be offered for rabbits to gnaw on.
Located in
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EDIBLE WILD PLANTS
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Blackberry (brambles)
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Blackberry (Rubus 'fructiosus') is a common hedgerow plant, although the prickles can make it difficult to harvest . It is a semi-evergreen shrub that is common all over Europe. In winter, when other plants are rare, some leaves can still be found to feed to rabbits. In the British Isles there are over 320 ‘microspecies’. All are suitable to feed to rabbits
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Blackberry leaves
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Bramble leaves stay on the plant through the winter and are a useful forage plant when other food is scarce. The leaves may become discoloured and dry. This does not matter to the rabbit.
Located in
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Blackthorn
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Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a common hedgerow plant that produces purple berries (sloes) in the autumn. Mature stems have vicious spines, which make them difficult to handle. The leaves are suitable for feeding rabbits although they vary in palatability.
Located in
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FORAGING
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EDIBLE WILD PLANTS
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Bramble leaves in winter
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The leaves from blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) or bramble bushes will survive the winter and can be picked to feed to rabbits when there is little else around. The leaves may not look palatable, but they are a favourite.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Bramble tips
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The tips of new growth on blackberry plants are easy to pick because the prickles on the newly grown stem are soft. They are very palatable to rabbits.
Located in
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FORAGING
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FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
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Bryony
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Bryony (Bryonia dioica) is a climbing plants that can be found in hedgerows mixed with other plants. It is toxic to humans and can cause skin irritation if juices from the plant come in contact with the skin. It is not a suitable forage plant for rabbits.
Located in
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PLANTS TO AVOID
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Bryony flowers
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The greenish flowers of white bryony (Bryonia dioca) are followed by bright red berries in late summer. The berries are poisonous.
Located in
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FORAGING
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PLANTS TO AVOID
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Buddleia
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Buddleia (Buddleia davidii) can be found growing on wasteland, especially in the South of England. The plant is not toxic but is not palatable for rabbits. They are unlikely to eat it.
Located in
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FORAGING
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EDIBLE WILD PLANTS