Rabbits frequently target poppies, especially when the plants are young and their foliage is soft. This interaction creates a conflict for homeowners, who worry about both the destruction of their flowers and the potential toxicity to the animals consuming them. Understanding the rabbit’s motivation and the specific poppy species involved helps manage this challenge.
Why Rabbits Target Poppy Plants
Rabbits are attracted to poppy plants largely because of their texture and accessibility, especially in the spring. Young poppy shoots and leaves present a soft, palatable food source that is easier to digest than the tougher, mature growth that develops later in the season. Rabbits primarily consume the leaves and stems, often shearing off the plant base. They may also nibble on flower buds or flowers, but foliage is usually preferred. This behavior is often driven by a lack of alternative preferred food sources.
The Toxicity of Poppy Species
The toxicity level of a poppy depends heavily on the specific species. All parts of the poppy plant contain alkaloids, which are organic compounds that can affect the nervous system of mammals. Ingestion can cause reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening poisoning, depending on the concentration of these compounds.
Highly toxic species, such as the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum), contain psychoactive alkaloids like morphine and codeine. Ingesting this species, even in relatively small amounts, can cause significant harm to a rabbit. Signs of poisoning include lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in pupil size, tremors, convulsions, or respiratory distress.
Garden varieties, like the Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale), still contain potentially harmful alkaloids and should be considered toxic. The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is often cited as having lower toxicity, though it is not entirely harmless. Even less dangerous varieties can cause digestive upset or sedation if large quantities are consumed. Since rabbits cannot vomit, any ingested toxin is processed through their digestive system, requiring prompt veterinary attention if poisoning is suspected.
Protecting Poppy Plants from Rabbits
The most reliable way to protect poppy plants is through physical barriers, which prevent rabbits from accessing the foliage. A fence constructed from chicken wire or hardware cloth is highly effective, provided it is at least two feet high to deter jumping. To prevent burrowing, the barrier should be buried six inches or more into the soil and bent outward at a 90-degree angle.
Repellents offer a secondary defense by either making the plant taste bad or by using strong odors. Scent-based deterrents often utilize ingredients like garlic or predator urine to signal danger. Taste-based sprays containing ingredients like cayenne pepper can be applied directly to the plants, though they must be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.
Companion planting involves placing plants that rabbits dislike near the poppies to act as a deterrent. Rabbits tend to avoid plants with strong scents or fuzzy leaves, such as marigolds, onions, or mint. Combining these plantings with physical barriers offers a layered approach to protection.