Rudbeckia species, commonly known as Black-eyed Susans or Gloriosa Daisies, are vibrant and resilient flowering plants popular in many home gardens. Their bright, daisy-like blooms thrive in various conditions, adding late-season color. When integrating any plant into a landscape, understanding its palatability is a concern for gardeners. The question of whether Rudbeckia can withstand the foraging habits of rabbits often arises.
Do Rabbits Actually Eat Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia is generally classified as “rabbit-resistant” rather than completely immune to herbivory. This resistance is not a guarantee of safety, and rabbits will readily feed on the foliage and stems under certain circumstances. Many gardening resources list species like Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) as moderately appealing, meaning damage is frequently observed in high-population areas.
Rabbits are opportunistic feeders who consume plants considered unpalatable when preferred food sources are scarce. Newly transplanted or young Rudbeckia shoots are particularly vulnerable because their tissues are softer and lack full chemical and physical defenses. An established, mature plant is far more likely to be left alone than tender spring growth.
Why Rabbits Typically Avoid This Plant
The natural defense mechanisms of Rudbeckia involve a combination of physical structure and specialized chemical compounds. A primary physical deterrent is the plant’s texture, which is notably rough and covered in fine, stiff hairs. The species name hirta, as in Rudbeckia hirta, is Latin for “hairy” and points to this characteristic.
These tiny, abrasive hairs, known as trichomes, make the leaves and stems unpleasant to chew, functioning as a prickly barrier that discourages feeding. Rabbits rely on soft, easily digestible forage and often bypass plants that require more effort to process.
This physical defense is supplemented by a chemical arsenal of secondary metabolites that make the foliage distasteful. Rudbeckia hirta contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to be bitter and act as feeding deterrents. When a rabbit takes a bite, the strong, bitter taste signals that the plant is not a desirable food source.
Protecting Your Rudbeckia from Herbivory
Safeguarding your Rudbeckia, especially when newly planted, requires employing targeted protection methods. The most reliable defense against rabbit feeding is a physical barrier that prevents access to the plant. For individual specimens or small groupings, a cylinder of chicken wire or hardware cloth can be placed around the plant, ensuring the mesh is no larger than one inch.
To prevent rabbits from burrowing underneath, this physical barrier must be secured by burying the bottom edge approximately three to six inches into the soil. This type of enclosure is important in the spring when susceptible new growth is emerging. The barrier can often be removed once the plant is mature and its natural defenses are fully developed.
In addition to fencing, taste and odor-based repellents can provide a temporary, secondary layer of protection. Sprays containing ingredients like capsaicin, garlic, or putrescent egg solids work by making the plant smell or taste unpleasant to the rabbit. These repellents require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or watering, as their effectiveness diminishes quickly.