-
Weeping Willow leaves
-
This photo shows the characteristic long leaves from the weeping willow. It is easy to strip the side shoots from the drooping main stems. These leaves are a firm favourite with rabbits.
Located in
Media
/
…
/
FORAGING
/
FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
-
Willow (goat willow) leaves
-
Goat willow (Salix caprea) is sometimes called pussy willow. It is a commonly found in woodland and hedges. Unlike most willows, the leaves are oval rather than long and thin. A good plant to offer rabbits.
Located in
Media
/
…
/
FORAGING
/
FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
-
Willow
-
There are many species of willow (Salix spp.) and all are palatable to rabbits. The weeping willow in the picture is the most easily recognisable - this tree is young and therefore small, but willow trees can be huge. They are common along the banks of rivers and streams. Small branches or twigs can be collected for rabbits to eat the leaves from and strip the bark.
Located in
Media
/
…
/
FORAGING
/
FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
-
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
-
Sweet cicely seeds
-
The seeds Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) are large, dark brown, and easy to pick. They appear in late summer. Not only do the seeds help to identify the plant but some can be taken home to sow in the garden. The plant is attractive as well as providing forage.
Located in
Media
/
…
/
FORAGING
/
FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Cow Parsley stem with groove
-
The leaf stem of Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) has a groove in it. This is present as soon as the leaves emerge and is an indicator that the plant is safe to pick for rabbits.
Located in
Media
/
…
/
FORAGING
/
FAVOURITE PLANTS TO LOOK FOR