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Image JPEG image Cow Parsley- comparison with poison hemlock
This picture was taken in May. On the left is the young hemlock plant (Conium maculatum). On the right is a young cow parsley plant (Anthriscus sylvestris). The plants were growing next to each other and illustrate the differences. The main stem and the leaf stems of hemlock are circular, smooth, pale green with reddish purples spots and blotches. The main stem of cow parsley is also circular but has longitudinal grooves. The leaf stems of the cow parsley have the characteristic celery-like groove and are slightly hairy. The colour of cow parsley stems varies from green to purple like the example shown in this picture.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Cow Parsley- foliage with grooved stems
The early foliage of Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) is the easiest to pick but it is the stage when the plant shows the greatest resemblance to poison hemlock. Examination of the young leaf stem shows the characteristic grooves signifying that the plant is safe to pick for rabbits.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Dandelion in flower
All parts of the dandelion are enjoyed by rabbits including the flowers, stems and roots.
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 Ground Elder (new leaves)
Ground Elder (Aegopodium podagraria) grows quickly and is easily harvested. It is a perennial plant that grows in shady places. These new shoots are one of the first plants to appear in the spring and are welcomed by rabbits.
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
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