The presence of wildlife in a garden often creates a conflict for those cultivating ornamental plants. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are popular garden staples, grown as annuals or short-lived perennials for their tall spikes of brightly colored, uniquely shaped flowers. A common concern arises about the local rabbit population browsing tender vegetation. Answering whether rabbits will eat snapdragons requires understanding their specific dietary preferences and the plant’s natural defenses.
Are Snapdragons a Preferred Food Source?
Snapdragons are generally considered a rabbit-resistant plant, meaning they are not a preferred food source and are actively avoided. Rabbits pass over Antirrhinum primarily due to the plant’s bitter or unpalatable flavor and texture. This flavor discourages grazing, classifying the plant as a “last resort” meal rather than a delicacy.
Rabbits are adaptable eaters, however, and no plant is entirely immune to being sampled, especially when preferred forage is scarce. During periods of drought or heavy snow, or in newly established gardens where other food sources are limited, a rabbit may turn to snapdragons. Young, inexperienced rabbits are also known to experiment with plants that their parents would typically ignore, leading to occasional damage.
When rabbits feed, the damage is typically characterized by a clean, sharp, 45-degree cut on the stems, which distinguishes it from the jagged tearing left by deer. They usually target the tender new growth or flower buds on the lower parts of the plant. However, the general unpalatability means sustained or widespread destruction is uncommon.
Health Implications for Rabbits
The safety of snapdragons is sometimes debated, but the general consensus among horticultural and pet experts is that Antirrhinum majus is non-toxic to rabbits and other pets. Its natural bitterness is a defense mechanism to deter feeding, not a sign of severe poison content.
If a rabbit consumes a small amount of foliage, the primary outcome is likely a mild, self-limiting case of gastrointestinal upset. Excessive consumption of any non-dietary plant material can potentially cause vomiting or diarrhea, but this is rarely serious or life-threatening with this flower. Domestic rabbit owners should monitor their pets for prolonged lethargy or refusal to eat and contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Strategies for Protecting Ornamental Flowers
Gardeners who wish to provide absolute protection for their snapdragons should focus on physical exclusion methods. The most reliable method is installing a low fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth, with a mesh size of one inch or smaller. This barrier should stand at least 18 to 24 inches tall, as rabbits can reach surprisingly high.
To prevent rabbits from burrowing beneath the fence, the wire should be secured or buried approximately six inches below the soil line. For individual plants or small clusters, a simple wire cage or cylinder placed around the plant provides targeted protection. These physical barriers are the most effective way to ensure the plants remain untouched throughout the growing season.
Alternatively, scent-based deterrents can discourage browsing, though they require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or irrigation. Repellents containing dried powdered blood (blood meal) or predator urine are effective because rabbits instinctively avoid areas smelling of carnivores. Planting strong-smelling companion plants, such as garlic, onions, or spicy basil, around the snapdragons may also help mask the scent of the desired foliage.