Viola flowers, often confused with pansies, are a popular choice for gardeners seeking colorful, cool-season blooms. These charming plants, belonging to the Viola genus, are frequently grown in garden beds and containers. Rabbits, whether wild cottontails or domestic escapees, are common visitors to these outdoor spaces. This coexistence leads many to question the direct interaction: whether the rabbit finds the plant palatable and if consuming it poses any health risk.
The Rabbit’s Diet and Violas
Rabbits are opportunistic herbivores focused on tender, low-lying vegetation, making violas a frequent target. They are attracted to the plant’s soft foliage and new growth, which offer moisture and nutrients. Violas, including varieties like Viola tricolor (Johnny-Jump-Up), are often classified as plants that are moderately to severely damaged by rabbit feeding.
When a rabbit encounters a viola, it typically consumes the most palatable parts first, favoring the tender leaves and bright flowers. Consumption increases during periods of environmental stress, such as dry spells, when native forage is scarce. The high water content makes violas an appealing food source. A rabbit can quickly decimate an entire patch, leaving behind only the tougher, lower stems.
Are Violas Toxic to Rabbits
Violas are considered non-toxic to rabbits. Varieties of the Viola species, including common garden pansies and violas, are listed as safe for consumption in small to moderate amounts. A rabbit nibbling on a few flowers or leaves is unlikely to suffer severe consequences.
While not poisonous, consuming a large quantity of any rich plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Excessive ingestion may lead to soft stools or temporary diarrhea. Pet owners should monitor a rabbit for signs of distress, such as lethargy or a lack of appetite, after any significant change in diet. The plant does not contain the potent toxins found in dangerous garden species.
Protecting Your Violas from Rabbits
Gardeners can employ a two-pronged strategy involving physical barriers and deterrents. Physical exclusion is the most reliable method, requiring a fence constructed of small-mesh wire, such as chicken wire, with openings no larger than one inch. The fence should stand at least 24 inches high to prevent rabbits from jumping over it.
To stop rabbits from burrowing underneath, the barrier needs to be secured below the soil line. Bury the bottom of the wire at least 3 to 6 inches deep and bend the buried portion outward away from the plants.
For an added layer of defense, taste- and scent-based deterrents can be applied directly to the plants. These often utilize ingredients like capsaicin or garlic, which create an unpleasant flavor or odor that rabbits avoid. Commercial sprays or homemade solutions are effective, but their longevity is limited. Since rain and irrigation wash the active ingredients away, deterrents must be reapplied frequently, usually after every rainfall or every few weeks, to maintain effectiveness.