The barberry bush, a common ornamental shrub, is a plant that most rabbits avoid. Rabbits are opportunistic herbivores, but they generally prefer softer, less protected vegetation. Barberry is considered “rabbit-resistant” in most landscape settings. This natural resistance is why the shrub is often recommended for yards where rabbits are known to be an issue, though the resistance is not absolute. Rabbits bypass barberry for more palatable options like clover and tender garden plants for the majority of the year.
Natural Deterrents of Barberry Bushes
The general avoidance of the barberry bush is due to a combination of physical and chemical defenses evolved by the plant. The most immediate physical deterrent is the presence of sharp, stiff thorns that line the stems and branches of the shrub. These thorns make stripping bark or chewing stems difficult and painful, discouraging feeding under normal circumstances.
Beyond the sharp spines, the plant’s structure itself presents a challenge, especially in mature barberry bushes. Rabbits prefer the thin bark and tender wood of young shrubs, but the stems of an established barberry become thick and woody, requiring significant effort to gnaw through. This tough, fibrous texture makes it a less desirable food source compared to softer vegetation.
The barberry also possesses a chemical defense in the form of alkaloids, the most notable of which is berberine. This compound gives the plant a distinctly bitter taste that rabbits find highly unappealing. Berberine is mildly toxic, and the instinctive avoidance of this bitter flavor reinforces the plant’s defense as a natural taste repellent.
Circumstances Where Rabbits Might Consume Barberry
Despite its natural defenses, the barberry is not entirely immune to rabbit damage; consumption is typically a sign of environmental scarcity. Rabbits are most likely to target the shrub during severe winter conditions when a deep snow cover eliminates all other, more preferred food sources. Rising snow lines provide rabbits access to higher, more tender parts of the plant, forcing them to turn to less palatable options for survival.
High population density can also force rabbits to consume barberry when competition for food becomes intense. Increased rabbit numbers decrease preferred food supply, compelling them to browse on plants they normally ignore. In these desperate situations, the mild toxicity and bitter taste of the barberry are outweighed by the immediate need for sustenance.
Young barberry plants are also more vulnerable than mature shrubs because they have thinner bark and less established, woody stems. Young barberry is more susceptible to bark-stripping than established bushes, especially if food is scarce. This feeding is a matter of pure survival, not preference.
Strategies for Protecting Shrubs from Rabbit Damage
Physical Barriers
For homeowners concerned about protecting their landscaping, the most effective defense against rabbit damage is the use of physical barriers. Surrounding vulnerable shrubs with a cylinder of wire mesh, such as chicken wire or hardware cloth, prevents direct access to the bark and stems. This barrier should be at least 24 to 36 inches tall to prevent rabbits from reaching over it. The barrier must also be secured or buried a few inches into the soil to stop burrowing underneath.
Commercial Repellents
Commercial repellents offer another layer of protection by making the plant taste or smell offensive to rabbits. These products often use active ingredients like capsaicin, which creates a spicy taste, or sulfur, which provides a strong, unpleasant odor. Repellents must be applied directly to the plant’s surface and require reapplication, particularly after rain or heavy snow, as their effectiveness diminishes over time.
Habitat Modification
Modifying the habitat can also make the area less inviting to rabbits, reducing the likelihood of feeding on any shrub, including barberry. Removing dense brush piles, tall weeds, and old debris near the shrub eliminates potential hiding spots and protective cover that rabbits use to escape predators. Reducing these sheltered areas encourages rabbits to find refuge elsewhere, making the barberry area less appealing for foraging.