The Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) is a popular perennial flower known for its cheerful white petals and bright yellow centers. While rabbits are voracious herbivores, the Shasta Daisy is generally not a favored food source. The plant is typically described as rabbit-resistant, meaning it is low on a rabbit’s preference list, but consumption can occur under specific circumstances.
Rabbit Preference for Shasta Daisies
Rabbits tend to avoid Shasta Daisies because the plant contains natural compounds that make it unpalatable. The foliage and stems include mildly toxic substances, specifically sesquiterpene lactones, which give the plant a bitter taste. These chemical defenses are common in the Asteraceae family and serve as a deterrent to browsing animals. Most rabbits will sample the plant, find the taste unpleasant, and move on to more appealing options.
The “rabbit-resistant” label does not mean “rabbit-proof.” Rabbits will resort to eating Shasta Daisies when their usual food sources are scarce. This often happens during periods of drought, in late winter, or in gardens with high rabbit populations where competition for food is intense. Young, tender growth in the spring is also more susceptible to nibbling than the mature foliage of established plants.
Toxicity Concerns for Rabbits and Pets
Shasta Daisies, while unappealing to rabbits, have a low level of toxicity to both rabbits and household pets. The bitter sesquiterpene lactones can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in moderate quantities. This may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation in pets like dogs and cats.
Because of the low toxicity and bitter flavor, large-scale consumption by animals is rare, as they typically stop eating after the first few unpleasant bites. Shasta Daisies are sometimes confused with the more toxic Chrysanthemum species, which contain similar but often more concentrated irritants. While the plant is not a severe poison risk, it is still advisable to prevent curious pets and rabbits from eating the foliage to avoid mild stomach upset.
Effective Rabbit Deterrents
Gardeners dealing with persistent rabbit damage should focus on physical barriers for the most reliable protection. A short fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth is highly effective when installed correctly. The mesh should be no larger than one inch and the barrier must be at least two feet high to prevent rabbits from jumping over it.
Since rabbits are known for digging, the fence material must be buried six to twelve inches underground to prevent burrowing beneath the barrier. Repellents offer a second layer of defense and work by taste or smell, though they require regular reapplication, especially after rain. Commercial sprays often use ingredients like putrescent egg solids, while natural options include sprinkling blood meal or using strong-smelling herbs.
Alternative Rabbit-Resistant Garden Flowers
For gardens with heavy rabbit pressure, incorporating strongly disliked plants can help redirect wildlife away from vulnerable flowers. Rabbits often avoid plants with strong, pungent aromas or those with fuzzy, rough, or milky foliage. Excellent alternatives include:
- Members of the Allium family, such as ornamental onions, which possess a strong odor and taste.
- Lavender, Peonies, and Foxglove, which feature strong scents or known toxicity.
- Catmint (Nepeta) and Russian Sage (Perovskia), whose aromatic, gray-green leaves are rarely appealing.