Will Rabbits Eat Lavender Plants

Rabbits will eat lavender plants, and unfortunately, they don’t just nibble on them politely.
 
If you’ve been wondering, “will rabbits eat lavender plants,” the short answer is yes, and they often do it happily.
 
Lavender isn’t safe from these hungry little herbivores, and if you’re growing it in your garden, you may find your plants chewed down to the stems.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why rabbits eat lavender plants, whether it’s actually safe for them, and how to protect your lavender if you want to keep it around.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Rabbits Will Eat Lavender Plants

Rabbits will eat lavender plants, and there are a few clear reasons why.
 
1. Lavender Is Edible and Non-Toxic to Rabbits
 
Lavender is considered safe for rabbits to eat, which is one reason they’ll go for it without hesitation.
 
Unlike some garden plants that are poisonous or irritating, lavender won’t harm a rabbit that munches on the leaves or flowers.
 
Because it’s non-toxic and edible, rabbits treat it like any other tasty green in their foraging path.
 
2. The Aroma Doesn’t Bother Them the Way You’d Think
 
You might assume the strong scent of lavender would keep rabbits away, but that’s a common myth.
 
While some gardeners swear by lavender as a rabbit repellent, plenty of rabbits will happily eat lavender plants regardless of the smell.
 
The fragrance that we find calming and pleasant simply isn’t a strong deterrent for a rabbit looking for food.
 
3. Rabbits Are Opportunistic Feeders
 
Rabbits don’t wait around for their favorite plants.
 
When food is scarce or when a tender lavender plant is within reach, rabbits will eat lavender plants without a second thought.
 
They’re browsers by nature, and they’ll sample almost anything green, especially the soft new growth on a young lavender plant.
 
4. Young Lavender Plants Are Especially Vulnerable
 
If you’ve just planted lavender, watch out.
 
Rabbits seem drawn to young, tender lavender plants because the stems and leaves are soft and easy to chew.
 
A mature, woody lavender plant is harder for them to damage completely, but seedlings and fresh starts can be wiped out in a single night.
 

Is Lavender Safe for Rabbits to Eat?

Yes, rabbits can eat lavender plants, and it’s generally considered safe in small amounts.
 
1. Lavender Is Non-Toxic to Rabbits
 
Lavender appears on many lists of rabbit-safe plants, so a rabbit eating lavender isn’t usually a cause for concern.
 
The leaves and flowers aren’t poisonous, and a nibble here and there won’t harm your bunny.
 
2. Too Much Can Still Cause Stomach Upset
 
That said, just because rabbits can eat lavender plants doesn’t mean they should eat a lot.
 
Large amounts of lavender can cause digestive upset, including loose stools or a mild tummy ache, especially if it’s a sudden new addition to their diet.
 
Treat it as an occasional snack, not a main meal.
 
3. The Essential Oils Matter
 
Lavender contains essential oils, and while small amounts in fresh plants are fine, concentrated lavender oil is a different story.
 
Never give a rabbit lavender essential oil or products made with it, as those can be toxic in concentrated form.
 
Stick to fresh or dried plant material in moderation.
 
4. Watch for Pesticides and Treatments
 
If you’re letting a rabbit nibble on lavender from your garden, make sure it hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
 
Those chemicals are far more dangerous to rabbits than the lavender itself, so always offer clean, untreated plants.
 

How to Keep Rabbits From Eating Your Lavender Plants

If you want to grow lavender and keep it safe, you’ll need to take steps to stop rabbits from eating your lavender plants.
 
1. Physical Barriers Work Best
 
The most reliable way to protect lavender is with a barrier.
 
A low fence, netting, or chicken wire around your plants will keep rabbits from reaching the leaves and flowers.
 
Make sure the barrier goes low enough and is buried slightly, since rabbits can dig under or squeeze through gaps.
 
2. Plant Lavender in Raised Beds or Pots
 
Rabbits are less likely to bother lavender grown in raised beds or containers.
 
Elevating your plants puts them out of easy reach, and pots can be moved to safer spots when rabbits are most active.
 
This is a simple fix if you don’t want to build a full fence.
 
3. Use Repellents as a Backup
 
Repellent sprays can help, but they aren’t foolproof.
 
Since rabbits will eat lavender plants when they’re hungry enough, repellents only work as a temporary deterrent and need to be reapplied often, especially after rain.
 
4. Plant More Than You Need
 
Some gardeners plant extra lavender as a sacrifice crop.
 
If rabbits are going to eat lavender plants anyway, giving them a patch of their own can distract them from the plants you actually care about.
 
It’s not a perfect solution, but it can reduce the damage to your prized lavender.
 

So, Will Rabbits Eat Lavender Plants?

Rabbits will eat lavender plants, and they’ll do it more often than many gardeners expect.
 
Lavender is non-toxic, edible, and appealing to rabbits, especially the tender young growth.
 
While a small amount won’t hurt a rabbit, too much can cause digestive issues, and your garden lavender can be stripped bare in no time.
 
If you want to keep your lavender looking its best, barriers, raised beds, and a little planning are your best defenses.
 
So yes, rabbits will eat lavender plants, and now you know exactly what to do about it.