Gardeners frequently face the frustration of rabbits treating their yards and flowerbeds as an open buffet. A common question arises when seeking a plant that can withstand this natural grazing pressure: Do rabbits eat lavender plants? The short answer is that rabbits generally avoid lavender, making it one of the more reliably rabbit-resistant plants for a garden setting due to its natural chemical defenses and selective feeding habits.
The Primary Reason Rabbits Shun Lavender
The strong, distinctive aroma of the lavender plant is the main reason it acts as a natural deterrent to rabbits and other herbivores. This potent scent comes from a high concentration of volatile organic compounds, known as essential oils, which include compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate.
Rabbits rely heavily on their sense of smell to determine food safety. This intense fragrance is immediately off-putting, and the volatile oils also impart a bitter, unappealing flavor to the plant tissue. When a rabbit attempts to sample a lavender leaf or stem, the combination of the pungent aroma and harsh taste causes immediate rejection.
Plants with high essential oil content are often avoided by herbivores. The plant’s chemical composition signals that it is not a desirable food source, making lavender an automatic non-starter for most grazing animals.
Rabbit Foraging Behavior
Rabbits are opportunistic herbivores, but they are also selective feeders when a variety of choices is available. Their natural diet consists largely of tender, high-moisture plants that are easy to digest. They prefer young grasses, clover, and soft leafy greens, which provide the necessary fiber and nutrients.
In contrast, mature lavender plants have a robust, somewhat woody structure and tough foliage, especially on older growth. This texture is less appealing than the succulent leaves and soft stems of their preferred forage. The combination of a low moisture content and a less digestible texture pushes lavender down the rabbit’s priority list.
Wild rabbits are highly efficient at selecting the most nutritious and palatable items available. When presented with a choice between a soft, sweet clover and a tough, bitter lavender stem, the rabbit will invariably choose the former. This preference reinforces why lavender is only rarely nibbled, typically only in situations where other food is extremely scarce.
Safety and Toxicity Concerns
While rabbits avoid lavender due to its sensory properties, the plant is generally considered safe for them to be around. Lavender is not categorized as an acutely poisonous plant, unlike plants such as foxglove or lily of the valley; the issue is primarily one of palatability and digestive comfort.
The concentrated volatile oils, if consumed in large amounts, can act as a gastrointestinal irritant for a rabbit. A rabbit’s delicate digestive system can be disrupted by a sudden influx of these powerful compounds, potentially leading to digestive upset. However, a rabbit is unlikely to consume enough of the fresh, bitter plant to cause a serious reaction.
For pet owners, dried lavender flowers are sometimes offered as a treat, but they must be given in very small, controlled quantities due to the essential oil concentration. The distinction is that lavender is unpalatable enough that rabbits rarely eat it, but not so toxic that a small accidental nibble would pose an immediate health threat.