Plants Rabbits Don't Like: Common Rabbit Proof Plants (2024)

They may be furry and cute, their antics comical and fun to watch, butrabbits lose their appeal quickly when they wreak havoc in the garden by chewing their way through your prized plants. Selecting rabbit resistant plants isn't a sure-fire solution because the critters will eat nearly anything if they're hungry and food is scarce. However, although there are no guaranteed rabbit proof plants, some plants are less appetizing and more likely to be passed by.

Plants Rabbits Won't Eat

As a general rule, plants rabbits don't like include those that have strong scents, spines, prickles, or leathery leaves. Rabbits also tend to avoid plants that exude a milky sap. An innate sense of danger often-- but not always-- steers animals away from plants that are toxic. Often, native plants are relatively rabbit resistant more so than non-native (exotic) plants. These may include:

• Yarrow
• Lupine
• Lungwort
• Manzanita
• Bee balm

Young, tender plants and newly transplanted plants are especially susceptible and mature, larger plants are better able to withstand nibbling bunnies.

Rabbit Resistant Plants

These plants are generally considered to be rabbit resistant.

Trees and Shrubs

When it comes to trees, rabbits tend to steer clear of:

• Fir
• Japanese maple
• Redbud
• Hawthorn
• Pine
• Spruce
• Oak
• Douglas fir

Rabbits generally don't like the prickliness or the flavor and aroma of shrubs such as:

• Holly
• Juniper
• Oregon grape
• Currant or gooseberry
• Turpentine bush
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Jojoba

Groundcovers, Vines, and Grasses

Ajuga is a groundcover with a strong aroma and texture that usually deters rabbits. Other groundcovers and vines rabbits don't like include:

• English ivy
• Spurge
• Virginia creeper
• Periwinkle
• Pachysandra

Ornamental grasses that are usually safe from hungry bunnies include:

• Blue fescue
• Feather grass
• Blue avena oat grass

Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs

Thick-leaved, prickly, or smelly perennials that often discourage rabbits include:

• Agave
• Euphorbia
• Red hot poker
• Black-eyed Susan
• Pincushion flower
• Oriental poppy
• Strawflower
• Cranesbill
• Lamb's ear

Most herbs have a pungent aroma that deters rabbits. A few examples of rabbit-resistant herbs are:

• Catnip
• Catmint
• Lemon balm
• Mint
• Chives
• Sage
• Thyme
• Oregano

Bulbs that tend to be relatively rabbit-resistant include:

• Daffodil
• Crocus
• Iris
• Dahlia