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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 Sweet Cicely
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is an umbelliferous plant with feathery leaves and white flowers. It is a perennial plant that grows on grassy banks, verges, and woodland areas. It is easy to identify from the strong smell of aniseed that comes from the leaves when they are crushed. Like Cow Parsley, the leaf stems are grooved, indicating that the plant is safe to pick. Sweet Cicely is palatable for rabbits but it is not a common plant so care should be taken to only pick from places where the plants are abundant.
Located in Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
Image JPEG image Hogweed plant
Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) is an excellent forage plant for rabbits. It is prolific with large leaves that are easily picked. This picture was taken in August. Young leaves are the most palatable. Hogweed is common in hedgerows, on verges, pastureland, and along footpaths. The leaves grow again after the plants have been picked or mown and can be found in November/December when other forage plants are rare.
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 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 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 Hawthorn (new leaves)
The new leaves of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) are among the first leaves to appear in the spring and are welcomed by rabbits. Some twigs with new leaves can easily be cut and collected as forage
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 Bramble leaves in winter
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 Media / … / FORAGING / FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR