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The leaves of Cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum) are bright green and eventually develop red blotches. The image shows Cuckoo Pint leaves mixed witha few COW Parsley leaves. All parts of the Cuckoo Pint plant can produce allergic reactions in people so it is wise to leave the leaves alone

The latin name for Cuckoo pint is Arum maculatum. Maculatum means spotted and plants called ‘maculatum’ are said to have grown under the cross and been speckled with Christ’s blood.

The leaves, stems and bulbs of daffodils (Narcissus spp.) contain a toxic alkaloid, lycorine. The concentrations of the alkaloid are highest in the outer layers of the bulbs. There are no reports of toxicity in rabbits but the bulbs are known to be poisonous in other species, especially humans who may mistake them for onions. Many plants from bulbs are potentially toxic so it is inadvisable to pick the leaves or flowers when foraging for rabbits. However, they are unlikely to eat them.

Rabbits find old dock (Rumex obtusifolius) leaves less palatable than the young ones. It is unlikely the rabbits will eat them. Older leaves tend to gain a red colour and usually have scars on them. These dock leaves contain oxalic acid which could be hazardous if consumed in larger quantities.

Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) can be differentiated from Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) by the smaller, often pink, flowers on plants that creep along the ground on verges, waste ground and hedge bottoms. The plant is known to contain alkaloids that affect other species, such as horses and mice, if they eat large quantities. The effects on rabbits are unknown but it is a plant that is best left alone.

Forget-me-nots (Myosotis spp.) are perennial plants that spread easily. They self-seed and thrive in shady spots but can adapt to full sun. The plants are not toxic, but rabbits seem to leave them alone, so they are not worth picking.

Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are common hedgerow plants that are easy to recognise when they are in flower. It is a biennial plant and in the first year, it forms a clump or rosette of leaves (see photo). In the second year, this rosette produces the flower spike – which may be up to 2 metres in height. All parts of the plant, including the roots and seeds, may contain a toxin, which is a cardiac glycoside, digitalis. It is inadvisable to pick foxgloves leaves for rabbits although it is unlikely that the rabbits will eat them.

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a dangerous plant for humans. It contains toxic sap that can cause severe burns. It can grow as tall as 20 feet with huge leaves. It can be confused with native hogweed when not fully grown or when growth is stunted (e.g. regrowth after cutting). The shape of the leaves is different and they are bristly. The stem has red blotches on it (like many toxic plants. Giant hogweed is not native to the UK. It was first introduced as an ornamental plant and has spread thorough the UK. Giant hogweed should be destroyed as soon as it is identified. It is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England, Wales and Scotland. As such it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause this species to grow in the wild. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, giant hogweed is also classified as controlled waste. The photo shows a plant growing on an allotment. Bags have been put over the seedheads to prevent the seeds spreading while the plant is dying from the effects of the herbicide it has been sprayed with.

The leaf edges of Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) are very different from the smoth edges of Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium). Giant Hogweed leaf edge are jagged and sharp.

The leaves of Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) are large. They can grow to over 1 meter in width.