Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), known for its striking orange blossoms, is a popular native perennial that attracts and supports pollinators, particularly the monarch butterfly. As a member of the milkweed family, the plant contains chemical compounds that act as a defense mechanism against most grazing animals. Gardeners often wonder if rabbits will consume this plant, and more importantly, if doing so poses a health risk.
Rabbit Feeding Habits and Butterfly Weed Palatability
Rabbits are generalist herbivores that graze on a wide variety of plants, especially when preferred food sources are scarce. They tend to favor young, tender shoots and soft foliage, making new garden transplants vulnerable to damage. However, butterfly weed is generally considered “rabbit-resistant” in most garden settings due to its bitter taste.
This bitterness is a natural defense that causes most rabbits to avoid the plant in favor of more palatable options. Mature butterfly weed foliage is less appealing than common garden vegetables or softer weeds, which keeps it safe from extensive browsing. Despite this resistance, young, newly emerging shoots may occasionally be sampled or nibbled before the plant’s full chemical defenses are established.
Toxicity Concerns of Butterfly Weed for Rabbits
The primary safety concern is the plant’s toxicity, as it belongs to the Asclepias genus, or milkweed family. All plants in this family contain cardiac glycosides, also known as cardenolides, which are potent chemical compounds. These substances are a defense mechanism that affects heart function in mammals and other vertebrates.
While Asclepias tuberosa is reported to have lower concentrations of these toxins compared to other milkweed species, it is still considered poisonous to most mammals, including rabbits. Ingestion of the plant, especially in quantity, can cause severe gastrointestinal and cardiac distress. Signs of poisoning may include lethargy, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and an irregular or rapid heart rhythm. Because the toxins have a cumulative effect, symptoms may not appear immediately, making it difficult to link the plant to the illness.
Protecting Gardens from Rabbit Damage
Since rabbits may occasionally sample or consume garden plants, the most effective strategy is physical exclusion. Installing a low fence around vulnerable garden areas is the only definitive way to prevent all damage. The barrier needs to be at least 24 to 36 inches tall, as rabbits can stand on their hind legs to reach foliage.
The fence material should be mesh or chicken wire with openings small enough to prevent the passage of young rabbits. It is necessary to secure the bottom by burying the material six inches into the soil and bending the bottom two to three inches outward in an “L” shape. While taste- or odor-based spray repellents are available, they often require frequent reapplication and their effectiveness is inconsistent.