If you’re a gardener with both beautiful crepe myrtles and curious rabbits, you might be wondering about their safety. Do rabbits eat crepe myrtle, and is it safe if they take a nibble? This is a common concern for anyone trying to balance a lovely landscape with local wildlife.
Rabbits are opportunistic nibblers, especially in early spring when tender new growth is their main target. Understanding their habits and your plant’s resilience is key to a peaceful garden. Let’s look at what you can expect and how to manage it.
Do Rabbits Eat Crepe Myrtle
Yes, rabbits will sometimes eat crepe myrtle, particularly the young, soft shoots, leaves, and bark. However, it’s not their first choice. When food is scarce or populations are high, they are more likely to sample plants they might normally ignore.
Crepe myrtles are not considered highly toxic to rabbits. A small nibble here and there is unlikely to cause serious harm. The bigger risk is the physical damage to your plant, which can stunt its growth or ruin its shape.
What Parts of the Crepe Myrtle Are at Risk?
Rabbits have specific feeding habits. They don’t usually devour an entire plant. Instead, they focus on the most accessible and palatable parts.
- New Shoots and Seedlings: These are the most vulnerable. The soft, green growth is easy to eat and packed with moisture.
- Young Bark: In winter or early spring, rabbits may gnaw on the bark of younger trees. This “girdling” can be deadly if it goes all the way around the stem.
- Lower Leaves: Leaves within easy reach, especially on newly planted or dwarf varieties, might get trimmed off.
Is Crepe Myrtle Toxic to Rabbits?
According to most sources, including the ASPCA, crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is not listed as a toxic plant to dogs, cats, or horses. There is little specific data on rabbits, but it is generally regarded as non-toxic. The primary concern is physical injury to the plant, not poisoning the animal.
That said, any new plant material can cause mild digestive upset in a rabbit if they eat to much of it. It’s always best to discourage feeding on ornamental plants.
How to Protect Your Crepe Myrtles from Rabbits
If rabbits are causing noticeable damage, proactive protection is your best bet. Here are the most effective methods, starting with the simplest.
1. Use Physical Barriers
This is the most reliable method. Physical barriers prevent access entirely.
- Tree Guards or Cylinders: Surround the trunk with a hardware cloth or commercial tree guard. Ensure it’s tall enough to account for snow height and buried a few inches in the soil.
- Fencing: A simple chicken wire fence around a group of young trees can work well. The mesh should be 1-inch or smaller and at least 2 feet high.
2. Apply Repellents
Repellents can be a good short-term solution, but they need consistent reapplication, especially after rain.
- Commercial Spray Repellents: Look for products containing putrescent egg solids or capsaicin. Always follow the label instructions carefully.
- Homemade Options: A spray of garlic, chili pepper, or vinegar and water can sometimes deter nibblers. Test on a small area of the plant first to check for leaf burn.
3. Modify the Habitat
Make your garden less inviting to rabbits by removing their preferred hiding spots and food sources.
- Clear away brush piles, tall grass, and debris near your garden beds.
- Keep grass trimmed short to reduce cover.
- Consider planting a distraction bed of clover or herbs they prefer away from your prized plants.
What to Do If Your Rabbit Ate Crepe Myrtle
If your pet rabbit has sampled your crepe myrtle, don’t panic. Follow these steps to ensure their safety.
- Remove Access: Immediately prevent them from eating any more of the plant.
- Identify the Plant: Double-check that it is indeed a crepe myrtle and not a similar-looking toxic plant.
- Observe Closely: Watch for any signs of gastrointestinal distress over the next 24 hours, such as:
- Lethargy or lack of appetite
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Bloating
- Consult Your Vet: If you notice any concerning symptoms, or if a large amount was consumed, contact your veterinarian promptly. It’s helpful to bring a sample of the plant with you.
Rabbit-Resistant Planting Strategies
While no plant is completely rabbit-proof, some are far less appealing. You can use these around your crepe myrtles as a protective border.
- Strong-Scented Herbs: Rosemary, lavender, sage, and oregano.
- Plants with Fuzzy or Prickly Leaves: Lamb’s ear, globe thistle, or snapdragons.
- Other Common Resistant Plants: Marigolds, daffodils, allium, and catmint.
Integrating these plants can create a natural deterrent zone, making your crepe myrtles less tempting by comparison.
Long-Term Garden Harmony
Managing wildlife in the garden is about co-existence. A few nibbles on a mature crepe myrtle are often not a disaster—the plant is remarkably resilient and will usually outgrow the damage.
Focus your protection efforts on vulnerable new plantings. As trees mature and their bark toughens, they become much less susceptible to rabbit damage. A multi-layered approach, combining vigilance with smart landscaping, is the most sustainable path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do wild rabbits eat crepe myrtle bark?
Yes, especially in winter. Wild rabbits may gnaw on the smooth, thin bark of young crepe myrtle branches when other food sources are scarce. This can cause significant damage.
Is crepe myrtle safe for other animals?
Crepe myrtle is generally considered non-toxic for dogs, cats, and horses. However, it’s always best to prevent pets from chewing on ornamental plants as individual reactions can vary.
What are the signs of plant poisoning in rabbits?
Signs can include loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect poisoning, seek veterinary care immediately.
How can I tell if rabbits are eating my plants?
Look for clean-cut, angled clips on stems (unlike the ragged tears from insects or deer). You may also see pea-sized droppings nearby or notice bark stripped from the base of young trees.
Will crepe myrtle grow back after rabbit damage?
In most cases, yes. Crepe myrtles are vigorous growers. If the main trunk isn’t girdled, it will often send out new shoots. Prune any damaged stems back to healthy wood to encourage new growth.