Lily plants (Lilium spp.) are one of the most common landscape and garden plants found around houses and commercial areas.
If you have a farm, homestead, or pet rabbit that enjoys roaming for a few hours each day, you must be asking yourself ‘Are Lilies safe for rabbits?’.
Look no further, we at Hobby Farm Heaven are here to share with you all you need to know about lilies and rabbits.
Generally speaking, yes, lilies are poisonous to rabbits. There are many different species of lily, and all exhibit different levels of toxicity. As a general rule, avoid ALL lilies and do not offer bulbs, leaves, flowers, or used lily vase water to your bunnies.
Read On To Learn More About Avoiding Poisonous Plants With Your Rabbits
Across the board, all true lilies and daylilies are dangerous when it comes to furry friends.
What are true lilies and daylilies?
These are all flowering plants that are of the Lilium or Hemerocallis genera.
You will notice that there are many flowers and plants with the lily name that are NOT a member of these genera; these are less risky “false” lilies and are usually not as toxic as true lilies and daylilies. Still, they should be avoided.
Are Lilies Only Poisonous to Rabbits
Farm and pet animals such as dogs and cats will suffer tremendously if lilies are ingested. In fact, cats experience kidney failure as quickly as three days after ingesting any part of a lily plant (something as small as lily pollen can poison a cat).
While lilies pose a serious toxic threat to your rabbits, if she nibbles just a bit of lily she should get by with just an upset stomach.
However, any more than just a nibble can result in extreme GI issues and can be potentially fatal for your rabbit.
Why Are Lilies Toxic To Rabbits
The exact reason why true lilies and daylilies are so toxic to rabbits and other animals is still unknown.
Studies have shown that the toxin is most likely water-soluble because of its quick onset, and researchers know that the toxin accumulates in the renal tubular epithelium, in the kidneys, of cats.
There are a wide range and mix of lily hybrids, which makes it hard to distinguish just how deadly some variations are, but it is known that different types of lilies contain varying toxins, including cardiac glycosides.
This is why it is best to avoid all plants and flowers with “lily” in their name.
Lily Variations and Toxicity Level
Are Peace Lilies Poisonous To Rabbits
Peace Lilies are one of the false lilies as they are actually part of a different plant family.
However, Peace Lilies do contain insoluble crystals of calcium oxalates that irritate and cause pain in the mouth and throat if bitten. So, while Peace Lilies are not toxic to rabbits they are not an ideal or preferred snack choice.
Are Asiatic Lilies Poisonous To Rabbits
Yes, Asiatic Lilies are a true lily and are therefore toxic to rabbits. Avoid the leaves, stems, flowers, bulbs and roots of Asiatic Lilies.
Are Oriental Lilies Poisonous To Rabbits
Most Oriental Lilies are Lily hybrids, and they are true lilies. As such, they are toxic and should not be eaten by bunnies.
Are Stargazer Lilies Poisonous To Rabbits
Yes, Stargazer Lilies are an Oriental Lily and as such are a true lily. All true lilies are toxic to rabbits and all plant parts should be avoided.
Are Tiger Lilies Poisonous To Rabbits
Yes, Tiger Lilies are a true lily and are therefore toxic to rabbits.
Are Calla Lilies Poisonous To Rabbits
Calla Lilies are one of the false lilies as they are actually part of a different plant family.
However, Calla Lilies, like Peace Lilies, contain insoluble crystals of calcium oxalates that irritate and cause pain in the mouth and throat if eaten.
Are Daylilies Toxic To Rabbits
Yes, Daylilies are toxic plants. Under no circumstance should you offer daylilies to your rabbits.
Is Lily Pollen Poisonous To Rabbits
Cats have been known to suffer kidney shut-down if they as much as lick a piece of lily pollen from their fur. However, rabbits do not experience the same extreme reaction to lilies that cats do.
It is safe to assume that a bit of lily pollen will not bring fatal harm to your bunnies, however, do not encourage the eating of lily pollen, as it could lead to stomach, digestive, and kidney issues.
Are Lily Leaves Poisonous To Rabbits
Yes, all parts of the lily plant are toxic to rabbits and other animals. This includes the leaves, flowers, stems, bulbs and roots of true lilies and daylilies.
Do Rabbits Eat Lily Of The Valley
Rabbits love to nibble and will try anything they can get their teeth on, so they surely WILL eat Lily Of The Valley.
Now just because they will eat it doesn’t mean it’s a healthy option; while this plant is a false lily, all of its parts are considered potentially toxic. Don’t test it!
Other Plants Poisonous To Rabbits
Here is a list of other plants toxic to rabbits that should be avoided when offering your rabbits greens or when allowing your rabbit to roam:
- Aloe
- Amaryllis
- Begonia
- Calendula
- Chrysanthemum
- Eucalyptus
- Holly
- Hydrangea
- Larkspur
- Milkweed
- Nightshades
- Onion
- Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
- Potato Plants
- Primrose
- Poppies
- Rhododendron
Plants Safe For Rabbits
If you’re looking for a rabbit-safe plant, think about the ones we humans enjoy over common ornamental and exotic species.
Herbs such as Parsley, crunchy greens like Celery, or dark greens such as spinach are a great, healthy, and safe treat option for your rabbits.
Safe Flowers For Rabbits
If you’d like to offer flowers for your rabbits, remember that most flowers found on edible herb species are ideal treats for bunnies.
Again, rabbit safe flowers do not often include blooms from ornamental or exotic flowering species. Stick to tried and true edible plants.
Safe House Plants For Rabbits
If you have an indoor rabbit and want to make sure all your houseplants are rabbit-safe, opt for plants that can be nibbled without issue, such as these Rabbit Friendly Plants:
In addition, orchids and spider plants are common indoor choices that won’t put your bunny at risk.
Stay away from other common indoor plants like philodendrons and monstera plants as these are toxic to animals.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Are Lilies Poisonous To Rabbits
Do Rabbits Eat Lilies?
Unfortunately, if given the chance, rabbits may eat lilies simply because they are curious creatures and love to chew.
What Flowers Kill Rabbits?
Flowers of the Water Hemlock and Deadly Nightshade (tomato) families are two examples of flowers that, if ingested, will cause serious and/or fatal injury to your rabbits.
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Final Thoughts on Do Rabbits Eat Lilies
Your best bet as a rabbit raiser and owner is to avoid all plants that look like lilies or contain the word ‘lily’ in their name.
The toxic compounds within lily plants can affect different animals at varying intensities.
So, while your rabbit is not likely to die if she eats a few nibbles of a toxic lily plant, you can avoid all stomach or GI damages and potential kidney failures by avoiding lily leaves, stems, bulbs, flowers, and roots.
Here at Hobby Farm Heaven we believe in the natural benefits of herbs. We do our best to practice “the herb of the week” plan.
What is The Herb of the Week plan?
The herb of the week plan is where we feed a different herb to our rabbits each week.
How do we do this? Most often we mix a few sprigs of the Herb of the Week in with the rabbits’ hay, whenever we feed hay. This is easy and hassle free.
Want to know more about the benefits of feeding herbs to your rabbits?
Go to this post: Herbs That Rabbits Can Eat
Lastly, did you know that Chocolate is also poisonous to Rabbits? For the details you can click on Can Rabbits Eat Chocolate?