Rabbits consume forsythia, especially when their preferred food sources are scarce. This common flowering shrub, valued for its early spring color, becomes a target for browsing by wild rabbits, particularly during the dormant winter months. Gardeners frequently discover damage to lower branches and stems, which indicates that rabbits have been feeding on the plant. The primary question for pet owners and those concerned about wildlife is whether the plant poses a health risk.
Rabbit Preferences and Forsythia Consumption
Forsythia is categorized as a “browse” plant, meaning it is not a primary food source but is readily consumed when more palatable options are unavailable. Wild rabbits typically target the thin, tender bark and lower stems of the shrub, often causing an injury known as girdling. Girdling occurs when the bark is chewed completely around the circumference of the stem, which severs the plant’s ability to transport nutrients and water, often leading to the death of the upper portion of the branch.
The highest incidence of forsythia consumption occurs in late winter and early spring, before grasses and tender green shoots emerge. Snow cover limits access to ground-level vegetation, forcing rabbits to feed on the exposed woody stems of shrubs. Rabbits may stand on snow drifts to reach higher sections of the plant. Domestic rabbits will also readily eat forsythia if given the opportunity.
Is Forsythia Toxic to Rabbits?
Forsythia is generally considered non-toxic to rabbits, meaning ingestion is not typically fatal. However, the plant does contain compounds, such as saponins and glycosides, which are mildly toxic. These substances can cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities, leading to symptoms like diarrhea or an upset stomach.
The plant does not offer substantial nutritional benefit. For wild rabbits, the risk of severe poisoning is low. However, excessive consumption can displace the fiber content that a rabbit needs from hay, potentially leading to gastrointestinal stasis. For domestic rabbits, forsythia should never be intentionally included as part of their regular diet.
Protecting Forsythia from Rabbit Damage
The most effective way to prevent rabbit damage is to implement physical barriers around the base of the shrub. Gardeners should wrap the lower stems with chicken wire or hardware cloth before the first snowfall. The protective barrier must be anchored firmly to the ground and extend upward at least two to three feet, as rabbits can stand on deep snow drifts to reach higher branches.
Repellents offer a secondary line of defense and can be used on exposed upper branches. Taste-based repellents, often containing thiram or capsaicin, work by making the plant unpalatable. Scent-based repellents, which use dried blood or putrescent egg solids, deter rabbits by mimicking the smell of predators. Both types require reapplication after heavy rain or snow to maintain effectiveness.
Habitat modification can also help reduce the risk of damage by removing nearby shelter. Clearing brush piles, tall weeds, and dense ground cover close to the forsythia makes the area less appealing for rabbits seeking refuge. Pruning lower branches to lift the canopy slightly also reduces easy access to the most vulnerable parts of the shrub.