Coreopsis, commonly known as Tickseed, is a vibrant perennial flower chosen by gardeners for its long blooming season and cheerful appearance. A primary concern is whether this plant will survive the appetites of rabbits. Gardeners often seek flowers that can thrive without becoming a frequent target for foraging animals, especially in areas with high rabbit activity.
Do Rabbits Eat Coreopsis?
Coreopsis is widely classified as a rabbit-resistant plant, though this does not mean it is entirely rabbit-proof. Its resistance is generally attributed to the plant’s texture and a slightly bitter taste that develops as the foliage matures. Many varieties, including Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata), possess fine, lacy foliage that rabbits find less palatable than broad, tender leaves.
While mature plants are often avoided, rabbits—especially young or extremely hungry ones—may still sample new, tender growth. New transplants or young spring shoots, which lack the bitterness and texture of established foliage, are the most vulnerable. Resistance can break down when preferred food sources are scarce, illustrating that relying solely on the plant’s natural resistance is not a guarantee against damage.
Factors Influencing Rabbit Foraging Habits
A rabbit’s choice of forage depends on immediate environmental factors and plant characteristics. The maturity of the plant is significant; tender, succulent growth is generally more appealing than tough, woody stems or leathery leaves. This preference explains why newly planted Coreopsis is more likely to be browsed than an established clump.
Plant defense mechanisms also deter rabbits. Characteristics such as strong, pungent aromas or the presence of irritating sap signal that the plant is undesirable. Furthermore, foliage that is fuzzy, hairy, or spiny is physically unpleasant for rabbits to chew, making these plants a low-priority food source. When local populations are high or preferred food is limited due to drought or winter scarcity, rabbits become less selective and will consume plants they would normally ignore.
Protecting Plants from Rabbit Damage
The most effective way to safeguard Coreopsis and other vulnerable garden plants is through physical exclusion. Erecting a low fence using fine-mesh chicken wire or hardware cloth is a reliable method for preventing rabbit access. The barrier should be at least two feet high, and the bottom edge must be secured flush with the ground or buried a few inches deep to prevent burrowing underneath.
Topical repellents offer a sensory deterrent by making plants taste or smell unpleasant. Commercial repellents often use ingredients like putrefied egg solids, capsaicin, or dried blood, which are distasteful to rabbits. These products must be consistently reapplied, especially after heavy rain or when new growth appears, because the protection washes off or is circumvented by fresh shoots.
Modifying the immediate garden environment can also reduce the risk of damage by making the area less attractive to rabbits. Removing dense brush piles, tall weeds, and low-lying debris near garden beds eliminates potential nesting sites and hiding spots. A clear perimeter makes rabbits feel more exposed to predators, encouraging them to forage elsewhere. Combining a physical barrier with a sensory repellent and habitat modification offers comprehensive protection for your Coreopsis.