Do Rabbits Eat Hostas? 7 Facts To Know!

Rabbits are those unwelcome visitors you don’t want lurking around your yard, especially when you have hostas plants. Rodents are particularly not garden-friendly, and rabbits are no different. If you’re worried about your hostas getting eaten, it’s understandable. 

So, do rabbits eat hostas? 

Yes, rabbits eat hostas. Young hostas are known to be tender and tasty, just like asparagus, which makes them attractive to rabbits. They can eat the entire shoot, including the leaves, flowers, and even the stems, sometimes damaging the whole plant. 

In general, rabbits feed on most flowers and plants as long as they find them edible.  

Are Hostas Rabbit Resistant?

While hostas possess some level of resilience due to their tough, fibrous leaves, they are not entirely rabbit-resistant. Rabbits particularly eat hostas when they are hungry and have no other alternative. 

Younger hostas are usually more palatable, which makes them more vulnerable to damage. Older hostas, on the other hand, are less palatable but can still be consumed if the rabbit is hungry enough. 

Rabbits, generally, prefer the stems and new shoots of hostas plants, but they can eat any part when they are very hungry. 

Do Rabbits Like Hostas?

Rabbits are usually attracted to hostas when they are young, and their leaves are fresh and tender. In this case, they can eat it down to the roots, often destroying the entire plant. In contrast, they find the mature plant unappetizing and would normally not eat it, except they are very hungry. 

In other words, younger hosta shoots are more susceptible to rabbit damage than mature plants.

In general, hostas are not a staple food for rabbits, even though they are edible. And that is because they lack most essential nutrients required by them. 

Do Wild Rabbits Eat Hostas?

The answer is yes. Wild rabbits, similar to domesticated ones, are attracted to young hostas. 

Hostas are often found in both urban and suburban gardens, making them accessible to wild rabbits living in these areas. As natural foragers, wild rabbits can cause significant damage to hostas, especially in regions where their population is more. 

Possible Signs of Wild Rabbits Eating Hostas

• Holes in the leaves: Wild rabbits have very sharp incisor teeth, which they use to clip leaves, often creating holes in the foliage.
• Chewed leaves: Hosta leaves that have been partially or completely eaten with ragged edges are another good sign of rabbit activity. 
• Damage to young shoots: Young hosta shoots are more susceptible to rabbit damage than mature plants. 
• Rabbit droppings: If you notice rabbit droppings near your hostas, there’s a huge chance they’ve been messing around the plant.  

Do Rabbits Eat Hostas Leaves?

Yes, rabbits predominantly feed on hosta leaves. If you notice irregularly shaped holes or chewed leaves on your hostas, rabbits are likely the culprits. They usually cause more damage during the growth season when the leaves are fresh and tender. 

In general, the extent of damage done to hostas plants can vary, depending on the rabbit population density, time of year, and availability of other food sources. If the rabbit population is high or alternative food options are limited, the damage to hostas can be more severe.

Are Hostas Poisonous to Rabbits?

Hostas (Hosta spp.) are not considered poisonous to rabbits. So rabbits can consume them without experiencing toxicity. 

As herbivores, rabbits have a digestive system specifically adapted to process plant material. Their food mainly consists of greens, grass, and other plant sources. Hostas, being non-toxic plants, are safe for them to eat in moderate amounts. 

Having said that, while hostas may not be harmful to rabbits, they lack the essential nutrients required for a balanced diet. Relying solely on hostas as a food source for pet rabbits can lead to malnutrition and health issues over time.

The primary concern with rabbits eating hostas lies in the potential for plant damage rather than the toxicity of the plant itself.

How to Stop Rabbits from Eating Hostas?

There are different ways you can stop rabbits from eating your hostas; however, I found the use of repellents and fences to be most effective.

Specifically, fences offer the best protection for hostas. The fence needs to be considerably high to make it impossible for the rabbit to jump over. Rabbits don’t normally hop more than 2 feet. For the best rabbit fence, consider YARDGARD (works for both rabbits and squirrels). 

You could also spray the plant with a repellent to keep rabbits away. Repellents usually have a scent or taste that deters wild animals such as rabbits. If you’re looking for ideas, I highly recommend this LIQUID FENCE DEER & RABBIT REPELLENT.