The crocus is a familiar sight in gardens, known for its cup-shaped bloom that heralds the end of winter. These early spring flowers are among the first to emerge, making them a tempting snack for wildlife. Rabbits frequently target the emerging shoots and flowers. This behavior is primarily driven by the timing of the plant’s appearance, raising concerns about the safety of the plant for the animals that consume it.
The Crocus Attraction: Why Rabbits Target Them
Rabbits are particularly drawn to crocus plants because they represent one of the first sources of tender, green vegetation in the early spring. Following winter scarcity, the young crocus shoots offer a readily available and palatable food source. The appearance of these bulbs coincides with a time when the rabbit’s natural forage is at its lowest availability.
Rabbits consume various parts of the crocus, including the tender leaves, flower petals, and emerging buds. The high water content and soft texture of the new growth make it appealing compared to the tough, dry remnants of last season’s plants. Rabbits may also dig up the corms, or underground storage structures, if the soil is loose and they detect the scent of the bulb.
The damage caused by rabbits is often concentrated and happens quickly, sometimes resulting in entire patches of flowers being cropped down overnight. While the motivation is simple hunger for fresh forage, gardeners can lose their entire early spring display. Certain varieties, such as the “Tommy” crocus (Crocus tommasinianus), are reported to be less palatable, but hungry rabbits will often consume any available Crocus species.
Crocus Toxicity and Rabbit Health
The question of toxicity depends entirely on the specific plant species a rabbit consumes. Common garden crocus (Crocus species), which flower in the spring, are considered to have low toxicity. Ingestion typically results in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as temporary vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms occur due to mildly irritating compounds within the plant, but the effects are usually not life-threatening.
A far more serious danger exists with the autumn crocus or meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale), which is frequently mistaken for a true crocus due to its similar appearance. The autumn crocus is highly poisonous and contains the alkaloid colchicine, a potent toxin that interferes with cell division. Colchicine poisoning is severe in all animals, including rabbits, and can lead to multi-organ failure. A lethal dose is estimated to be around 0.8 milligrams of colchicine per kilogram of body weight.
Symptoms of ingesting the highly toxic autumn crocus are severe and may include excessive salivation, abdominal pain, hemorrhagic diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, and eventual seizures or shock. If a rabbit is suspected of consuming the autumn crocus, immediate veterinary attention is required because the toxin acts rapidly. Gardeners can distinguish the deadly variety from the common spring crocus by observing the flower’s internal structure: true Crocus species have three stamens, while the toxic Colchicum autumnale has six.
Protecting Crocus Plants from Rabbit Damage
Gardeners can employ several strategies to protect their crocus from rabbit foraging. Installing physical barriers offers the most effective defense, preventing direct access to the plants. Low fences made of chicken wire or hardware cloth should be at least two feet high and secured to the ground, ideally buried six inches deep, to prevent rabbits from pushing under them.
Alternatively, applying taste and scent-based deterrents can discourage rabbits from eating the foliage. Commercial animal repellents, often containing ingredients like putrescent egg solids, create an unpleasant odor or taste that rabbits learn to avoid. Homemade deterrents, such as sprinkling cayenne pepper or blood meal around the plants, can also be effective due to their strong scents.
Consistent reapplication of liquid deterrents is necessary, especially after rain or heavy watering, to maintain efficacy. Another method is to use wire mesh cages placed over individual clusters of bulbs after planting, which helps protect the subterranean corms from digging rodents. Planting companion bulbs that rabbits dislike, such as daffodils, can also help mask the scent of the more appealing crocus.