The Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) is a perennial recognized for its yellow petals and dark, dome-shaped center. This flower is a fixture in many gardens, often used in borders and pollinator patches. Its popularity frequently puts it into direct conflict with local wildlife, particularly cottontail rabbits. The central question remains whether Rudbeckia is a preferred food source or merely a last resort for hungry rabbits.
Rabbit Dietary Preferences and Black-Eyed Susans
Rabbits generally favor tender, high-protein plant material, such as young shoots, legumes, and fresh garden vegetables. This preference means they will bypass plants with tougher, fuzzier, or more aromatic foliage. Black-Eyed Susans are considered a low-preference food source because their leaves and stems are covered in fine, bristly hairs, making them less palatable and difficult to chew.
Rudbeckia can still sustain damage under certain conditions. Rabbits are opportunistic feeders, and when other food is scarce, such as during drought or early spring, they will readily consume less desirable plants. They are most likely to target the soft, newly emerging spring growth and developing flower buds. These parts offer a higher concentration of nutrients and are less coarse than the mature foliage. A clean, 45-degree clip on a stem indicates a rabbit was the culprit, characteristic of their sharp incisors.
Safety Considerations for Rabbit Consumption
While Black-Eyed Susans are not classified as highly toxic, they are not a recommended part of a rabbit’s diet. The plant contains compounds that can act as mild irritants. These irritants and the rough, hairy texture of the foliage can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.
Wild rabbits typically graze on a varied diet, which limits their intake of any single plant and reduces the risk of a severe reaction. Domestic rabbits have a more sensitive digestive system and are at greater risk if they consume a significant amount. Symptoms can include stomach upset, and contact with the plant’s hairs may cause irritation around the mouth or paws. It is prudent to prevent pet rabbits from accessing the plant.
Strategies for Protecting Garden Plants
The most effective method for preventing rabbit damage is the installation of physical barriers. Fencing should use a small mesh size, ideally one inch or less, to prevent small rabbits from squeezing through. The fence must stand at least two feet high to deter cottontail rabbits from jumping over the top.
To prevent rabbits from digging underneath, bury the bottom edge of the fence material six to twelve inches deep. Alternatively, bend the bottom portion outward into an L-shape and secure it to the ground with stakes. This creates a horizontal barrier that deters digging.
Gardeners can also use commercial repellents, which are scent-based or taste-based and come in spray or granular forms. These products utilize ingredients like dried blood, putrescent eggs, or capsaicin to make the plants unappetizing. Repellents must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain or irrigation, and should be rotated to prevent rabbits from becoming habituated to a single deterrent.