Coneflowers (Echinacea) are popular perennials in North American gardens. They are prized for their long blooming season, drought tolerance, and ability to attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Gardeners often rely on Echinacea for consistent color, but those facing wildlife pressure often wonder if this plant is truly immune to hungry rabbits.
The Reality of Coneflower Resistance
Coneflowers are generally categorized as having moderate resistance to rabbit grazing. They are not a preferred food source but are certainly not immune. The plant’s mature leaves and stems contain compounds that impart a slightly bitter taste, acting as a mild deterrent. This resistance is most effective when rabbits have an abundance of other, more palatable vegetation available.
The palatability of Echinacea changes depending on the plant’s age and the season. Rabbits are highly attracted to the tender, succulent new growth that emerges early in the spring or after pruning. During periods of severe drought or resource scarcity, a rabbit’s dietary selectivity decreases. Rabbits will readily consume coneflowers, including flower buds and tougher foliage.
Identifying Rabbit Damage
Confirming a rabbit is the culprit behind plant damage requires careful observation of the feeding pattern. Rabbits lack upper incisor teeth, meaning they cannot cleanly bite or tear vegetation like deer. Instead, their feeding leaves a characteristic clean, diagonal cut on the stems and leaves, often appearing as if snipped with sharp shears.
This damage is typically found close to the ground, within the first foot or two of height, reflecting the rabbit’s low stature. Damage from deer, conversely, is jagged and torn, and occurs at a higher level. A definitive sign of rabbit activity is the presence of small, round droppings scattered near the damaged plants.
Grazing often occurs during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk when rabbits are most active. Noticing fresh cuts in the early morning hours indicates that nocturnal or crepuscular feeders have been visiting the garden. Analyzing the height, the clean cut, and the scat are the most reliable diagnostic tools.
Effective Protection Strategies
The most reliable method for protecting coneflowers involves implementing physical exclusion barriers. A permanent fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth is highly effective, provided it is at least two feet tall to prevent jumping. The bottom of the fence should be buried several inches into the soil, or bent outward and secured to the ground, to prevent rabbits from burrowing underneath.
For newly planted or vulnerable young Echinacea seedlings, temporary enclosures can be fashioned using wire cages or netting placed around the individual plants. These barriers can be removed once the plant has established tougher, less appealing foliage. Physical barriers provide a guaranteed deterrent.
Chemical repellents that use taste or scent-based deterrents, such as sulfur or capsaicin compounds, can be employed as a secondary measure. These products work by making the foliage unappetizing or by emitting an odor that signals danger. However, repellents require consistent reapplication, especially after heavy rainfall, to maintain effectiveness.
Another preventative measure involves eliminating potential hiding spots near the garden, such as dense ground cover or piles of debris. Rabbits prefer to feed close to secure cover where they can quickly retreat from predators. Removing this nearby shelter can make the area feel too exposed, encouraging rabbits to forage elsewhere.
Truly Rabbit-Resistant Garden Alternatives
Gardeners seeking plants with guaranteed rabbit avoidance can opt for alternatives that possess strong natural deterrent qualities. Plants that feature a fuzzy or tough leaf texture are rarely targeted, such as the woolly foliage of Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina). This texture is difficult for rabbits to chew and digest, making it unappealing.
Other highly resistant species rely on potent aromatic oils or a bitter taste to discourage feeding. Herbs like Salvia and Lavender (Lavandula) emit strong scents that rabbits find overwhelming, leading them to bypass the plants. Similarly, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) contains unpalatable compounds, offering a reliable alternative that still attracts pollinators. Ornamental grasses, which are generally tough and lack the high nutritional value rabbits seek, also make suitable, low-maintenance replacements for areas of high rabbit traffic.