Gardens and landscapes frequently draw the attention of foraging wildlife. Rabbits, as generalist herbivores, browse on a wide variety of plants, especially woody shrubs like the common lilac, Syringa vulgaris. Their accessibility, particularly during periods of food scarcity, makes them a target. Understanding the specific nature of the damage and the plant’s safety profile is the first step toward effective protection.
Identifying When Rabbits Consume Lilac Bushes
Rabbits consume lilac bushes, and the type of damage often varies by the season and the plant’s age. During the warmer months, rabbits primarily seek out tender new growth, often clipping young shoots and soft flower buds near the ground. This browsing can stunt the growth of young plants and reduce the flowering potential of mature shrubs.
The most severe damage tends to occur in winter when other food sources are covered by snow or frozen. At this time, rabbits turn to the bark and underlying cambium layer of woody plants. They can strip the bark completely around the circumference of a stem, a process known as girdling, which effectively severs the plant’s ability to transport nutrients and water.
Rabbits, possessing sharp incisors, leave behind clean, angled cuts on small stems or distinct parallel tooth marks on larger trunks and branches. Deer, which lack upper incisors, tend to tear and leave a more ragged, shredded appearance on the stems they browse.
Toxicity and Health Concerns for Rabbits
The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is non-toxic for most animals, including rabbits. The plant’s safety primarily relates to the lack of harmful compounds. A rabbit consuming parts of a lilac bush is unlikely to experience poisoning from specific toxins.
The main health concern from consuming any large quantity of plant material is gastrointestinal upset. Rabbits have a delicate digestive system, and sudden changes in diet or the ingestion of too much fibrous material can cause issues. Symptoms of distress may include lethargy, appetite loss, or diarrhea. If a pet rabbit ingests a large amount of lilac and shows severe signs, contact a veterinarian, though this is usually due to digestive overload rather than a specific poison.
Effective Methods for Protecting Lilac Bushes
Constructing physical barriers is the most reliable strategy for protecting vulnerable lilac bushes. A cylinder made from hardware cloth or chicken wire can be placed around the stem. The mesh should be small (one-inch or less) and must extend high enough to prevent rabbits from reaching over it, typically 24 to 36 inches above the expected snow line.
To stop rabbits from burrowing underneath the barrier, the bottom edge of the wire should be secured to the ground or buried a few inches into the soil. For younger, single-stemmed plants, spiral plastic tree guards or drain tile can be wrapped around the trunk to prevent winter bark damage. These defenses should be checked regularly, particularly after heavy snowfall, which can create a higher platform for rabbits to access the plant.
Chemical deterrents offer a secondary layer of protection, discouraging browsing through taste or scent. Commercial rabbit repellents often contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids, capsaicin, or sulfur, which make the plant unappealing. These products are typically sprayed directly onto the foliage and bark of the lilac bush. The effectiveness of these repellents is temporary and requires reapplication, especially after rain or snow.
Habitat modification can also make the area around the lilac less inviting to rabbits. Removing brush piles, tall weeds, and other debris that provide cover and nesting sites near the shrubs can reduce the presence of rabbits in the immediate vicinity.