Yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, is a flowering perennial plant recognized by its feathery leaves and flat-topped clusters of small flowers. Gardeners often ask if rabbits like yarrow, which requires a nuanced answer based on palatability and necessity. While wild rabbits will occasionally graze on yarrow, the plant is not a preferred food source and is frequently cited as rabbit-resistant in gardens. The plant’s strong aroma and bitter chemical composition often deter casual consumption.
Rabbit Preference for Yarrow
Rabbits, both domestic and wild, typically avoid yarrow because of its pronounced, aromatic foliage and bitter taste. This unappealing flavor comes from various chemical compounds, including essential oils, which act as a natural defense mechanism. The general consensus among gardeners is that yarrow is a reliable choice for a landscape where rabbit grazing is a concern.
A rabbit’s diet is often dictated by the availability of other forage, which can override taste preferences. Young yarrow foliage in the spring can be softer and less intensely flavored than mature growth, making it a more tempting target for a hungry rabbit. Consumption is also more likely during periods of drought or in lean winter months when preferred food sources like clover, tender vegetables, and fresh grasses are scarce.
Wild rabbits take exploratory bites from a variety of plants, including those that are bitter, as part of their natural foraging behavior. They rarely consume yarrow in large amounts, opting instead for more palatable plants to meet their nutritional needs. When the most desirable plants have been depleted, a rabbit may resort to grazing on yarrow as a secondary source of nourishment.
Yarrow’s Safety Profile for Rabbits
Yarrow is not classified as an outright poison for rabbits, but its chemical components mean that large-scale ingestion can lead to health problems. The plant contains several compounds that are toxic or disruptive in high concentrations, including glycoalkaloids like achillein, sesquiterpene lactones, and the monoterpene thujone. These substances can negatively impact the rabbit’s delicate gastrointestinal tract and overall physiology.
Small, incidental grazing is usually tolerated by wild rabbits. However, a domestic rabbit with a less varied diet is more susceptible to the adverse effects of overconsumption. The plant also contains coumarin, which can have blood-thinning properties when consumed in substantial quantities.
Symptoms of overingestion can include significant digestive upset, depression, and diarrhea, which quickly leads to dehydration. Since rabbits cannot vomit, they cannot expel toxins once ingested, which elevates the risk of consuming any mildly toxic plant. Contact with yarrow foliage may also cause dermatitis or skin irritation in sensitive animals. Pet owners should never intentionally feed yarrow to their domestic rabbits.
Practical Strategies for Garden Protection
For gardeners looking to protect valuable crops, implementing a physical barrier remains the most effective strategy against rabbits. A properly installed fence should be at least 24 to 36 inches tall, as rabbits can stand on their hind legs and stretch to reach higher foliage. The mesh size of the fencing material is also important, with a maximum of one inch recommended to prevent young or small rabbits from slipping through.
Since rabbits are known to dig, the fence must be extended below the soil line to prevent burrowing. Burying the bottom edge of the fence at least six inches deep and bending that buried portion outward—away from the garden—creates an effective underground deterrent. This outward bend forces a digging rabbit to excavate in a direction that is counterproductive to entering the protected area.
Companion planting can also be used as a supplementary, non-physical deterrent by leveraging a rabbit’s aversion to strong scents. Planting aromatic herbs like lavender, marigolds, or garlic around the perimeter of the garden bed can help discourage rabbits from entering. While yarrow is considered rabbit-resistant, using a combination of highly unpalatable plants and robust physical fencing offers the greatest chance of protection for your garden.