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Image JPEG image Woody Nightshade
The flowers of Woody nightshade (Solanum dulcamara).
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
Image Sorrel
Common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a relative of the broad-leaved dock and has been cultivated for centuries. It can be found in meadows, verges and hedgerows. It is sometimes used in soups or its leaves used in salads. However, it has a sharp taste due to the oxalic acid it contains. It also has a laxative effect in humans if it is ingested in large quantities. Rabbits seldom eat it.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
Image JPEG image Ragwort rosettes
Common ragwort (Senecio jacobea) is a biennial plant and in the first year, it only has leaves organized in a rosette (illustrated) that may not be recognised as ragwort. It flowers in the second year (June till October). After the plant has produced seeds, it dies but the seeds can survive for many years. Although it is unlikely that rabbits will eat them, it is better not to pick the leaves.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
Image JPEG image Ragwort
Common ragwort (Senecio jacobea) is well known as a poisonous weed. It has attractive yellow flowers and easily recognisable leaves. It also has a very unattractive taste to rabbits and other mammals. When dried or if there is nothing else to eat, animals might eat it. The toxins cause permanent and sometimes fatal liver damage in horses and it should be pulled up in pastures where horses graze or meadows that hay is taken from. In verges and other places where horses do not graze it is can be left alone as it is an important plant for wildlife notably the Cinnabar moth. Although there are no reported cases of ragwort poisoning in rabbits, it is better not to pick it even though it is unlikely to be eaten.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
Image JPEG image Dock (old leaves)
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.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / PLANTS TO AVOID
Image JPEG image Hogweed
Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), also known as Cow Parsnip, is a common plant in verges and grassy areas. The plant produces white flowers in late spring and summer and there is a second growth of new leaves in the autumn. Hogweed is not to be confused with Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum- see section on Plant Toxicity), which is a rare plant that grows very tall (up to 2 metres high) and causes a nasty skin reaction in people that handle it. At around I metre high, Hogweed is shorter
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 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 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 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