Periwinkle, which includes species like Vinca major and Vinca minor, is a common groundcover often found in landscaped areas. Gardeners and pet owners frequently wonder about the plant’s interaction with local wildlife, particularly rabbits. Understanding this relationship is important for maintaining a healthy garden and ensuring animal safety. The primary concern is whether rabbits consume the plant and if its chemical components pose a danger if ingested.
Periwinkle Consumption by Rabbits
Rabbits generally consider periwinkle a low-preference food source and tend to avoid it in favor of more palatable plants. The leaves and stems of Vinca species have a naturally bitter taste and a tough, leathery texture. This combination makes them unappealing to foraging rabbits and often deters them when a variety of other food options are available.
Consumption of periwinkle is usually a sign of necessity rather than preference for wild rabbits. If preferred forage is scarce, such as during drought or heavy snow, a hungry rabbit may resort to nibbling the plant. Young or tender new growth may also be sampled out of curiosity. Gardeners typically consider the plant rabbit-resistant due to this inherent lack of appeal.
Toxicity Concerns of Periwinkle
Despite rabbits generally avoiding it, periwinkle is toxic, and ingestion poses a serious health risk. All parts of the Vinca plant contain Vinca alkaloids, a complex group of organic compounds. These alkaloids are responsible for the plant’s toxicity.
If a rabbit consumes a sufficient quantity, the toxic alkaloids can lead to adverse biological effects. Symptoms of periwinkle poisoning include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. More severe reactions involve the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, presenting as low blood pressure, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and coma. Domestic rabbits may be more susceptible than wild rabbits, making it important for pet owners to keep this plant out of reach.
Deterring Rabbits from Garden Areas
For gardeners experiencing rabbit damage, the most reliable strategy involves installing physical barriers around vulnerable plants. A fence constructed from chicken wire or hardware cloth is effective. It should be at least two feet tall and buried six inches deep to prevent burrowing underneath. Ensuring the mesh size is one inch or smaller prevents small rabbits from squeezing through.
Another solution involves using taste and scent deterrents that make the garden unappealing. Commercial rabbit repellents are available, or gardeners can apply homemade sprays containing strong-smelling ingredients like garlic powder and cayenne pepper. These sprays need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness. Removing dense vegetation, brush piles, and low-lying weeds near the garden also eliminates potential hiding and nesting spots.