Columbine (Aquilegia) is a common garden plant often concerning to gardeners who share space with rabbits. While rabbits are opportunistic herbivores, Columbine is generally not a preferred food source. This avoidance stems from the plant’s unappealing taste and chemical compounds that make it toxic if consumed in quantity. Therefore, Aquilegia species are often categorized as rabbit-resistant.
Why Columbine is Not a Rabbit Favorite
Columbine plants are frequently spared from rabbit grazing, placing them on lists of “rabbit-resistant” garden additions. This resistance is rooted in the plant’s defense mechanisms, which include both physical and chemical deterrents. Unlike tender, low-growing plants that rabbits favor, Columbine foliage contains compounds that impart a bitter taste. These chemical properties, belonging to the class of alkaloids and saponins, signal to browsing animals that the plant is unpalatable.
When presented with a choice, rabbits usually bypass the chemically defended Aquilegia for more agreeable forage. While they might occasionally sample young, tender growth, they rarely consume enough to cause significant damage, even when food is scarce.
The Toxicity of Columbine (Aquilegia)
Rabbits avoid Columbine due to its inherent toxicity; it belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. The plant contains several toxic compounds, including alkaloids (such as magnoflorine) and a hydrocyanic acid-forming glycoside. The entire plant is considered toxic, with the seeds and roots containing the highest concentrations.
Ingestion of these compounds typically causes gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. If a small or domestic rabbit consumes a significant amount, the cardiotoxic nature of the alkaloids can become apparent. Higher-dose poisoning may result in lethargy, severe cramps, and heart problems. Owners of pet rabbits should ensure their animals do not have access to the plant, though wild rabbits rarely eat enough to suffer severe harm.
Protecting Your Garden from Rabbit Grazing
For gardeners who wish to protect any plant from foraging rabbits, physical exclusion remains the most reliable strategy. A well-constructed fence prevents rabbits from reaching vulnerable plants and is a highly effective long-term solution. The barrier needs to be at least two to three feet high, as rabbits can stand on their hind legs and jump to reach vegetation. The fence material should have mesh openings no larger than one inch to prevent young rabbits, or kits, from squeezing through.
To prevent rabbits from burrowing, bury the bottom of the fence six to twelve inches deep into the soil. Alternatively, create a short, outward-facing “L” shaped lip at the base of the fence, securing it flush to the ground with stakes.
Repellents offer a secondary defense by making plants smell or taste unpleasant. These products, which are not poisons, include commercial sprays and natural remedies that must be reapplied frequently, particularly after rain.