Viburnum is a genus of flowering shrub widely planted for its attractive foliage, flowers, and berries, making it common in many residential landscapes. Gardeners often observe signs of browsing and wonder if rabbits are responsible. While rabbits generally prefer softer vegetation, their consumption of Viburnum depends heavily on the season and the availability of preferred food sources. The answer is a conditional “yes,” meaning this ornamental shrub is not immune to becoming part of a rabbit’s diet, especially when options are limited.
Understanding Rabbit Preferences and Viburnum Palatability
Rabbits are hindgut fermenters whose primary diet consists of grasses and herbaceous plants, making shrubs like Viburnum a low-preference food source under normal conditions. Many Viburnum species are considered “rabbit-resistant” because they possess a tougher structure and less appealing taste than soft clover or tender vegetable greens. However, “rabbit-resistant” does not mean “rabbit-proof,” and hungry rabbits will consume plants they usually avoid.
Consumption patterns are strongly influenced by seasonal changes. The most significant damage occurs in winter when typical food sources are scarce or covered by snow. Rabbits shift from eating soft grasses to browsing on woody material like bark and twigs to meet their nutritional needs. They gnaw the bark off the lower trunks and branches, which can severely damage or girdle a young plant.
In the spring, rabbits may target the new, tender shoots and young foliage of the Viburnum, which are softer and more palatable than the mature leaves. Certain species, such as Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum) and Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii), appear more susceptible to browsing damage. The distinctive sign of rabbit damage on thin stems is a clean, angled cut, unlike the ragged tear marks left by deer.
The Health Risks of Consuming Viburnum
The safety of Viburnum for rabbits is nuanced. Most of the plant’s woody structure and mature foliage are not considered highly toxic, and many varieties are listed as non-toxic to animals. However, this does not mean they are harmless or suitable for a rabbit’s digestive system. The primary concern lies with the berries and the young, unripe fruits of some species.
The berries of the Viburnum genus are sometimes noted as mildly toxic to animals and can cause a mild stomach upset if consumed in significant quantities. For instance, the unripe fruit of the European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus) is specifically listed as toxic. A rabbit’s diet should be centered on high-fiber hay and fresh greens, not woody ornamental shrubs.
Consuming material outside of a rabbit’s natural diet can lead to gastrointestinal distress, which is a serious health risk for these sensitive animals. Therefore, while Viburnum is not a highly poisonous plant, it is not recommended as a safe or nutritious component of any rabbit’s diet. The plant should be protected from browsing to ensure the rabbit’s well-being.
Strategies for Protecting Shrubs from Damage
Protecting Viburnum shrubs from rabbit damage requires establishing physical barriers and utilizing taste or scent-based deterrents. Physical exclusion is the most reliable method, especially for young or newly planted shrubs vulnerable to fatal girdling damage. Install a cylinder of hardware cloth or wire mesh around the shrub, extending at least two inches away from the trunk to prevent rabbits from reaching the bark.
This barrier must be secured firmly to the ground to prevent burrowing underneath and should be tall enough to rise above the anticipated snow line. In areas with heavy snowfall, the fence needs to be at least 30 inches high to prevent rabbits from standing on compacted snow to reach higher branches. This physical defense is most important during the fall and winter months when rabbits are actively seeking woody browse.
For additional protection, especially on larger or established shrubs that cannot be fully caged, repellents can be applied directly to the plant’s surfaces. Repellents work either by taste (containing compounds like capsaicin or a bittering agent) or by scent (using strong odors like predator urine or garlic spray). Since these products are subject to weathering, they must be reapplied frequently, particularly after rain or heavy frost, to maintain effectiveness.