If you plan to plant dianthus and there are wild rabbits in your area, it’s really a matter of concern. Rabbits are known to feast on various plants, but do they eat dianthus?
Some say it’s toxic to them. Is it true? There are many misconceptions about the dianthus plants. This article will debunk the misconceptions and guide you to protect your dianthus from rabbits.
Do rabbits eat dianthus?
Rabbits enjoy eating dianthus, and they can eat a lot of them within one night. Because of its fantastic fragrant and sweet taste of nectar, rabbits will prioritize eating dianthus over other plants. But the fact is dianthus are moderately toxic to them, and it can be fatal if they eat a lot.
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I researched dianthus and rabbits through the internet, but after 30 minutes, I was baffled as some blogs claim that dianthus is toxic while some websites say it’s suitable for rabbits. Even I saw points like, “Why dianthus are good for rabbits.”
After a ton of research, I found that dianthus is actually toxic to rabbits, although they enjoy eating the plant a lot. It’s really strange. Let me explain.
Carnivores like rabbits and deers can detect toxic plants. It’s part of their instinct. They got the gene from their ancestors. In the wild, avoiding poisonous plants is essential for those animals as becoming weak and sick can bring the end of their life.
However, for some reason, deers and rabbits can not detect toxicity. There is where I find it strange.
Rabbits will not miss any chance to munch on the dianthus plant. The plant steam is small, and rabbits can eat them comfortably.
If your area has wild rabbits, you must take steps to save your loving garden. A solo rabbit can destroy a big part of your garden within one night. There are many ways to deal with those plant-eaters.
If you have a pet rabbit, you must also be careful. Make sure the rabbit can not get access to your garden that has dianthus. Check out if rabbits eat those parts of dianthus flowers.
Dianthus flowers:
Dianthus flowers are also not safe from rabbits. The flowers are often their favorite part of the plant because of the sweet nectar. The colorful and fragrant flowers will attract them more than the leaves.
Those flowers are also toxic to them, and you must not feed the flowers to your pet rabbits.
Dianthus plants:
Rabbits do eat dianthus plants. But the good thing is rabbits do not eat the whole plant. They only eat the leaves and softer parts of the plant.
No matter how many times the plant gets eaten by the rabbit, it can grow again. It’s very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Dianthus leaves:
Rabbits eat dianthus leaves. The leaves have cinnamon-like flowers, and they like the crunchy texture of the leaves. The steams are thin, so they steams fit in their mouth easily.
Do wild rabbits eat dianthus?
Wild rabbits eat dianthus plants. Rabbits are usually not picky as long as it is part of the plant and eatable. Dianthus plants have a unique smell that attracts them. They also like the taste and crunchiness of the plant.
However, the plant is toxic to rabbits. Usually, poisonous plants create swelling when they try to eat them. But dianthus is different. They have no clue that it’s a toxic plant to them.
Wild rabbits usually don’t like invading humans’ gardens. They don’t like being close to humans. They feast on our garden when there is a shortage of food in the wild. So, we must solve the issue without harming them.
Every animal in the wild has its value, and it must exist for our good. So we should focus on how to save our property from those innocent animals than eliminate them.
Are dianthus rabbit resistant?
Sadly, dianthus is not rabbit resistant even after being toxic to them. Even they will eat those plants first after entering your garden most of the time. Rabbits are curious animals, and they have incredible smelling power.
After entering a garden, the pungent smell of dianthus will attract the rabbit. The rabbit will bite on the plant out of curiosity, and the pleasant taste of the plant will make the rabbit eat more.
Dianthus flowers have a short blooming time.
The flowers are full of nectar, and it attracts a lot of pollinators. Did you know that rabbits like sweet nectar? Yes. If there is a flower on the dianthus plant, the rabbits will eat the flowers first.
Why does rabbits eat dianthus?
I talked with several species of rabbits about dianthus plants. And they said they only eat it when they feel very sad. Well, it’s an awkward joke!
Here are some possible reasons why rabbits eat dianthus.
It smells good:
Dianthus smells like cinnamon, and rabbits like the smell. The smell makes them interested in taking the first bite.
It tastes nice:
The leaves have a pleasant taste and texture. Rabbits usually like crunchy plants as those are different than their regular plants.
They do not know its poisonous:
A plant that smells good, tastes good but is poisonous, what a weird combination! Rabbits do not know the plant is toxic. So they eat it as much as they can if they get a chance.
It tastes sweet:
Rabbits like sweet. That’s why they can not resist eating the dianthus flowers, full of nectar.
Are dianthus poisonous to rabbit or deer?
Yes, dianthus is poisonous to rabbits and deer. Don’t be confused by other blogs that say rabbits can eat it, it’s easy to digest, have vitamin A etc. Rabbits eat like a treat, but they should not eat it. Let me explain in more detail.
Dianthus plants have a toxic molecule named triterpenoid saponins. It is an alkaline molecule that can cause skin irritation, digestive problem, weakness and many other health issues in rabbits. It can be fatal for the rabbits if they ingest many dianthus plants.
It’s even mildly poisonous to humans. It can cause food poisoning, allergies and other problems. Cats and dogs often feast on leaves to solve their digestive issues. Keep your pets away from the dianthus plants.
But why is the plant toxic? How do triterpenoid saponins Work?
Triterpenoid saponins are a plant molecule that helps plants to resist fungus, bacteria and insects.
Microbes and insects are one of the main threats to plants. So some plants developed ways to deal with them. The Dianthus plant is full of antimicrobial molecules, which are unsuitable for animals.
The answer to why rabbits do not know dianthus are poisonous is getting a bit clear now. The thing is, other poisonous plants build their defense system targeting the carnivores. The plants want the animals to warn them, “I am toxic, don’t eat me.”
But dianthus defense is against microbes and small insects. It does not develop to be safe from the carnivorous. But eating dianthus is like eating insecticide or bactericides, which is also bad for health.
How to prevent rabbits from eating dianthus?
Preventing rabbits from eating dianthus is essential for both the rabbits and the dianthus. If rabbits get access to dianthus plants, they will destroy the plants, and the rabbits will become sick within hours.
Here are some common techniques to keep the rabbits away from your garden.
Fence:
Fencing is the most common way to prevent the rabbit and deer, but the fence must not have big holes and must be at least 1 foot underground to prevent the rabbits. Barriers can be costly, but it is a long-term solution.
Signs of predators:
It’s a cheap (Sometimes free) and easy way to prevent the rabbits from your garden. Rabbits get feared if they can spot any signs of predators in a place. They will run away from the area and will not return.
So what can you use? Hair clippings are pretty effective in deterring rabbits. Just spread some hair clippings around your garden. You can get hair clippings from a salon.
You can also use dog hair, dog urine, bones and dried blood to repel the rabbits.
Commercial rabbit repellant:
Commercial rabbit repellents work to keep the rabbits away from your dianthus garden. But the issue is, you will have to apply again after rain.
Predator dummies:
There are many predators of rabbits in the wild. You can take advantage of that by hanging a hawk dummy over your garden. Rabbits will not dare enter your garden after seeing a hanging hawk moving in the air.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits eat dianthus. Rabbits and dianthus are both dangerous, and you must take steps to separate them from each other. Spreading hair clippings can easily keep the wild rabbits away, but it may not work for the pet rabbits. Take your pet to a nearby vet if he consumes the dianthus plant.