Lobelia, with its vibrant blooms and trailing habits, is a popular choice for many garden enthusiasts, adding splashes of blue, purple, red, and white to beds and containers. While gardeners cultivate these appealing plants, they often share their outdoor spaces with common garden visitors, including rabbits. These small herbivores are frequently seen foraging, raising questions about which plants they might consume and whether those plants pose any risk. Understanding the interactions between garden flora and local wildlife helps maintain both a thriving garden and a balanced ecosystem.
Do Rabbits Eat Lobelia?
Rabbits generally do not prefer lobelia as a food source, often considering it a “rabbit-resistant” plant. This avoidance is largely due to the plant’s inherent properties, including a bitter taste and the presence of compounds that can be unpalatable or even harmful. While lobelia is not a primary dietary choice for rabbits, instances of them eating it do occasionally occur. When other, more preferred food sources become scarce, particularly during dry spells or in areas with high rabbit populations, a rabbit might sample or consume lobelia. Gardeners should understand that “rabbit-resistant” does not equate to “rabbit-proof,” especially under challenging environmental conditions that limit other food options.
Lobelia’s Toxicity to Rabbits
Lobelia contains toxic compounds known as alkaloids, primarily lobeline, which can be harmful if ingested by rabbits. These substances are responsible for the plant’s deterrent qualities. When consumed, these alkaloids can lead to various adverse health effects in rabbits, ranging from mild discomfort to more severe issues depending on the amount eaten.
Symptoms of lobelia poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, indicating gastrointestinal distress. More serious signs may involve excessive salivation, depression, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, or convulsions. For smaller animals like rabbits, ingesting even a moderate amount can result in significant health problems and, in severe cases, be fatal.
Signs of Rabbit Activity
Rabbits leave distinct signs of their presence and feeding habits. One common indicator is cleanly clipped plant stems, often appearing as if cut with scissors at a 45-degree angle. This differs from deer damage, which typically results in jagged, torn edges due to their lack of lower incisors.
Gardeners might also find small, pea-sized, round droppings scattered in the affected area. Chewed bark, particularly around the base of young trees and shrubs, is another sign, especially during colder months when other food sources are scarce. Occasionally, tufts of fur caught on fences or low-lying plants can further confirm a rabbit’s presence.
Protecting Lobelia
Protecting lobelia and other garden plants from rabbit damage involves a multi-faceted approach, combining physical barriers and deterrents. Constructing physical barriers remains one of the most effective methods. Fencing made from chicken wire or hardware cloth, at least 24 to 36 inches tall and buried 6 to 12 inches deep, can prevent rabbits from digging under or jumping over. For individual plants or small beds, cloches or wire cages offer direct protection.
Repellents can also deter rabbits by making plants unappealing through taste or smell. Commercial repellents containing ingredients like thiram or ammonium soaps can be effective, though they often require reapplication after rain or new plant growth. Homemade solutions, such as sprays made from garlic, cayenne pepper, or onion powder, can also be applied directly to plants. Alternating different types of repellents can prevent rabbits from becoming accustomed to a single one.
Modifying the garden environment can further reduce its attractiveness to rabbits. Removing brush piles, tall weeds, and other overgrown areas eliminates potential hiding and nesting spots. Incorporating plants that rabbits generally dislike, such as those with strong aromas or fuzzy leaves, can create a less appealing foraging ground. Companion planting with species like lavender, mint, or certain herbs can help deter them from more vulnerable plants.