The Types of Plants and Flowers That Are Harmful to Rabbits

Flowers

• Flowers such as the calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, and carnations or pinks (genus Dianthus), which grow in USDA zones 3 through 10, feature toxins that spread throughout leaves, flowers and stems. Peonies (genus Paeonia), which grow in USDA zones 3 through 8, feature more targeted poison distribution, concentrating toxic chemicals in the seeds and flowers. Tulips (genus Tulipa), growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, preserve the next generation by concentrating toxins in their bulbs.

Shrubs

• Azaleas (genus Rhododendron) can grow as tall as trees within USDA zones 4 through 9, featuring high levels of chemicals toxic to rabbits throughout the plant. Birds of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) grow in USDA zones 9 through 11, and while smaller, also feature toxic chemicals in all parts. Boxwood (genus Buxus) thrive in USDA zones 6 through 8 and are often used as topiary plants; the leaves of this plant are mildly toxic and can make rabbits sick.

Vegetables

• Fellow mammals, rabbits eat many of the same vegetables as humans. Still, some plants have developed chemicals that, while harmless to humans, can seriously sicken smaller mammals, such as rabbits. Garlic (Allium sativum), for example, grows in USDA zones 4 through 9 and has a toxic effect on rabbits. Additionally, the leaves, stem and unripe fruit of the common potato (Solanum tuberosum), which grows in USDA zones 2 to 11, can cause sickness in rabbits if ingested.

Poisonous to Rabbits and Humans

• Although growing plants that are harmful to rabbits may help reduce the amount of damage rabbits do to your lawn, some of these plants are just as poisonous to humans and other animals. The leaves of the common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), which grows in USDA zones 4 through 8, contain the potentially deadly chemical digitalis. They are harmful to rabbits, but keeping these plants away from areas where small children and pets play will help prevent unintentional poisoning.