It is easily distinguished from clover by the 3 heart-shaped leaflets found on top of each long stalk (or petiole) and 5-petaled yellow flowers that bloom from spring through summer. The seeds set from late summer through fall. For instance if you feed parsley this week, then leave it out of the diet for next week and use something else. Yellow wood sorrel. Facebook Instagram. Early twentieth-century herbalist Maud Grieve reports that in Europe wood sorrel had several traditional uses: It has diuretic, antiscorbutic and refrigerant action, and a decoction made from its pleasant acid leaves is given in high fever, both to quench thirst and to allay the fever. with rabbits is oxalic acid and it is completely harmless to animals or humans when consumed in small amounts. If you spray, use a small spray bottle and apply the weed killer only to the weed foliage on a windless day when the spray will not drift onto other plants. Few are safe, and its far better to consider them all dangerous and not to allow your rabbits to eat any of them. Your rabbit should be eating a diet made up of at least 75% hay. Find out more about the RHDV2 virus in your area at The House Rabbit Society. Some gardeners brush the weed-killer by hand onto the leaves of the weed. greens a day (and only one of them should be from the group listed above) Dont feed the same greens all the time from week to week if possible, mix it OUR FORUM IS UP BUT WE ARE STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF UPDATING AND FIXING THINGS. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Feeding to rabbits sorrel can be used both in pure form and in combination with other plants. These foods Gerardos friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. Unfortunately, there are many ways for rabbits to come into contact with types of wood that are unsafe for them. Used sparingly, the health benefits are a good addition to the rabbits varied diet. It would be unusual for a rabbit to become obviously ill immediately after eating a toxic plant. Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. Rabbits can eat cucumbers with the peel on or off, and allowing them to eat the seeds will not harm them. However, many things you can grow in the garden are fine to share! Clover is also edible, though, so not a huge problem when its mistaken for sour grass. If the pinewood still has that strong pine scent, then you want to stay away from it and opt for a different type of wood. Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. While most people enjoy sour grass as a pleasant nibble or addition to salads, it turns out, like so many other common wild plants we lump into the category of weeds, wood sorrel has some useful medicinal properties as well. They can have twigs, branches, or leaves fresh from a tree if you have one in your yard. Yes, wood sorrel is edible! Redwood. A forum community dedicated to living sustainably and self sufficiently. Thanks for pointing that out! (Again, you can identify and eat before seeds form) It generally grows about 6" high, but can reach 12-14" in optimal conditions. The idea that that rabbits wont eat a plant that is bad for them simply doesnt make sense. To you, Rumex acetosa may help blood pressure regulation, promote healthy eyesight, soothe skin conditions, support heart health, and boost immunity, among other benefits. In a perfect world, rabbits would only have access to wood and branches from trees and bushes that are non-toxic for rabbits. Before going outside to grab some branches for your rabbit to munch on, you should take some precautions. with rabbits is oxalic acid and it is completely harmless to animals or humans when consumed in small amounts. You may also have heard it called sourgrass, common yellow oxalis, sheeps clover, lemon clover, shamrock, or other regional variations. Garden Sorrel: No, toxic: Garlic: No: Germany Ivy: No, toxic: Gerranium: No, toxic: Ginger: Yes, limited amounts: Glory Lily: . You can also check what type of material your furniture is made out of, so you can be sure the type of wood is safe if your rabbit chews on it. Eating any part of this plant can cause colic and kidney failure if enough is consumed. In garden beds, the only organic approach is to dig out the weedsroots and allcarefully. You also want to avoid toys that use a lot of glue or use a type of paint that is not safe for rabbits. It can grow up to 30cm tall and form 2-3 meters wide clusters. However, just because rabbits like to chew on anything they can get their teeth on, doesnt mean they should. Articulata (ah-tic-you-LAH-ta) is jointed, Corniculata means, creeping, much branched like a mat, debilis is weak, Latifolia means broad leaved, Macrantha . Chopping your sour grass first may help to release more of its flavor, or you can run the whole mixture through a blender before straining. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Strip off the leaves before using if you have a thicker, tougher stem. You can tell when rabbits, not deer, have been chewing on your plants because rabbits make clean, 45-degree cuts in young stems and can reach only approximately 3 feet high. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide personalized medical advice. This is the most imperative of a rabbit's diet. i do have books on edible wild plants but of course it's for people, and i guess just because people can eat it doesnt mean rabbits should. Some species of wood sorrels get considerably larger. For the organic gardener, the key here is diligence. Posted on February 12, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged flowers, food, high protein, meat rabbits, moderation, natural food for rabbits, plants, poisonous, rabbits. Or if youd like to try foraging your medicinal plants, explore the wild herbs that may be growing near you. from Small Pet Select! It is very common for me to see cedar hutches being sold, for example, even though this type of wood is bad for rabbits. If you have any of these bushes in your backyard, you can cut a few twigs off and give them to your rabbit fresh. In fact, every part o this flower, including the leaves, flowers, and seed pods, are edible . Wood sorrels are a terrific choice for beginner foragers, easy to identify and beloved by kiddos for its lemony flavor. are nutritious and do not need to be excluded from the diet if you feed them appropriately. The RWAF does not make a profit from your call. For the most part, there is no need for immediate panic if a rabbit manages to chew on a type of wood that they shouldnt. PLEASE consult a good field guidebefore foraging any plant for the first time. Important: This page may contain affiliate links. Knopf. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Acokanthera (Acokanthera)-fruit, flowers very poisonous, Aconite (Aconitum)-all parts very poisonous, Amaryllis belladonna (Brunsvigia rosea)-bulbs, Angel trumpet tree (Datura, Brugmansia arborea)-flowers, leaves, seeds, Apple (Malus sylvestris)-seeds contain cyanide, Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)-pits contain cyanide, Arrowhead vine (Syngormon podophyllum)-oxalates, Atropa belladonna (Atropa belladonna)-all parts, esp. Plants Toxic to Rabbits: Definitely Avoid These! . Yellow wood sorrel is also known as sour grass because its leaves have a mildly sour taste. Cheers. A mature seed pod can burst with touch, so carefully pluck it to control the spread of its seeds. Its tangy, somewhat sour flavorreminiscent of citrusmakes it an excellent garnish in just about any salad. Sorrel, also known as Indian sorrel is a creeping leafy green that is a delicate, herbaceous and low-growing plant about the height of 30 cm. I don't know what you mean by hop clover (what's the botanical name?) Wood sorrel tea when cooled can make a refreshing . The leaves and blossoms can be added to a salad as a decorative touch, and a lemony drink can be made from the foliage. Food and Wine has a recipe for a scallop dish flavored with sour grass! There are some types of wood that are toxic to rabbits and other types that need to be dried before they can be given to rabbits. The tender leaves of young Oxalis are devoured by chickens and they always come back for more! Alfalfa (and clover, peas, beans or peanut) is not recommended. Cherry is good for rabbits to chew on, although certain kinds can be toxic. Syrup: Add 2 cups of water,1 cup of wood sorrel leaves, and flowers to a pot. It would be unusual for a rabbit to become obviously ill immediately after eating a toxic plant. The wood sorrel is another unrelated plant with a similar name that has several distinct species, including redwood sorrel yellow wood sorrel. The common variety in yards has smaller leaves and little "buttercup" flowers. Glyphosate (sold under the brand name Roundup) will kill the entire plant, roots, and all; it is the most effective chemical solution. When out foraging, there are several plants you need to avoid. These compounds are toxic to dogs. sap, Dogwood (Cornus)-fruit slightly poisonous, Dolls Eyes (Actaea alba, rubra, spicata)-berries, roots, foliage, Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia amoena)-all parts, esp. Hannover Turismo I recommend feeding a minimum of at least 3 types of leafy Then the remaining 25% of the diet is split between veggies and small volumes of fruit and pellets. sap, Glacier ivy (Hedera helix Glacier)-all parts, Gold dust dracaena (Dracaena godseffiana), Goldenchain tree (Laburnum)-seeds, pods may be fatal, Green-gold nephythytis (Syngonium podophyllum xanthophilum), Heartleaf (Philodendron cordatum, Philodendron oxycardium), Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)-leaves, Hellebore (Ranunculacea, Helleborus, Veratrum)-all parts, Hemlock (Conium, Cicuta, Tsuga)-all parts, Hemp, Indian (Cannabis sativa, Apocynum sp. Young rodents per day are considered 60- 120 g of pure sorrel. Wood sorrel is the typical yard "shamrock" you likely can find in your yard. )-foliage, twigs, berries. Nutrition Facts This herb's leaves are chock-full of healthy nutrients. But some materials can be dangerous for rabbits to chew on. In ancient Europe . Also known by a variety of names, including common sorrel, garden sorrel, spinach dock, narrow-leaf dock, and the Latin *Rumex Acetosa*, sorrel's culinary history can be traced back to the Middle Ages and beyond. Want some super-simple ways to live healthier now? But should clarify that try QAL is perfectly safe for your buns. Because of its three leaves, some might confuse it with clover. However, a small amount is unlikely to cause any harm to your bunny. kernels of fruit, Yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), Yew ( Taxus spp. Rabbits can eat birch and poplar branches and twigs fresh from the tree. However, you still need to be cautious. )-all parts poisonous, root deadly, False parsley (Conium maculatum)-all parts are fatal, Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia)-fruit, bark, Fireweed (Amsinckia intermedia)-fruit, bark, Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)-whole plant, Fools parsley (Conium maculatum)-all parts are fatal, Four oclock (Mirabilis jalapa)-whole plant, Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)-all parts can be fatal, Frijolito (Sophora secundiflora)-all parts, Fruit salad plant (Philodendron pertusum), Geranium, California (Senecio petasitis)-whole plant, German ivy (Senecio mikanioides)-whole plant, Ghostweed (Euphorbia marginata)-all parts, Giant dumbcane (Dieffenbachia amoena)-all parts, esp. All parts of yellow wood sorrel are edible, and it has a bright, tangy flavor. [3] 5. Also toxic and not to be fed to rabbits are arum, bryony and hemlock. The leaves of potato plants can be toxic to rabbits. If your rabbits behavior remains normal, then there is no need for immediate medical attention. Wood sorrel can be added to salads, used in soups, sauces and it can also be used as a seasoning. You can also get wicker baskets and furniture that are made from willow. Many rabbits will enjoy eating rose flowers too. This herb is very high in oxalic acid and will damage your bunnies' kidneys. Sorrel is sometimes called "false shamrock," and during St. Patrick's Day season, it's common to find yellow wood sorrel misbranded and sold as shamrock. The Handbook of Edible Weeds by James A. Duke says that deer and rabbits graze the foliage of jewelweed and I found a couple other references to cottontail rabbits eating it as well. ), also known as sorrel or shamrock, can be an effective ground cover plant for both sunny and shady areas in the garden. Heres more information on plants for a medicinal herb garden if youre interested in trying to grow your own natural remedies. Bring to a boil. Another plant commonly mistaken for yellow wood sorrel isblack medic, a similar-looking plant with small yellow flowers that is a cool-season summer annual. Many have an effect that builds up in the organs over time. The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. You may also have heard it called sourgrass, common yellow oxalis, sheep's clover, lemon clover, shamrock, or other regional variations. The specific epithet acetosella refers to its sour taste. Both self-propagation methods are prolific. Even woods that are safe for rabbits should sometimes be avoided if they have been painted or varnished, such as furniture. I can't really tell from the picture, but I'm thinking that's NOT oxalis (wood sorrel). A host of animals, ranging from insects to birds to rabbits and deer, eat this plant. The little heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers would be a fun addition to fruit salad also. Turn off the heat and leave it to steep for 15 minutes. The amount of oxalic acid within each plant can vary significantly due to several factors including the composition of the soil the plant grew in, the time of year and the age of the plant. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Aspen is generally the most recommended wood to use as a litter material for rabbits since it is absorptive and controls odors. Favourites such as anything growing from a bulb snowdrops, hyacinths (including grape hyacinths), bluebells, crocuses, daffodils, tulips and any other bulb-grown plant should be kept out of areas where rabbits graze. Yew foliage and berries are also highly toxic for rabbits and should be avoided. Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper. Very Vegan Val shares a chilled sour grass soup recipe with coconut milk and Leda Meredith has a potato-based version. Let the leaves and flowers steep for 15 minutes. These include rhubarb, avocado, allium-type vegetables, and iceberg lettuce. Yellow wood sorrel is easily mistaken for red or white clover, although sorrel has heart-shaped leaves and red and white clover leaves are oval-shaped. The plant has . Wood sorrel better known to some as sour grass or shamrock is a common edible weed worth getting to know. In captivity they are offered a fairly limited variety of plants to eat and they will generally be cautious about trying new foods, but make no mistake, unless it tastes bad to them, if its green they are likely to eat it! Older sorrel leaves have a higher oxalic acid content, so they will be better for cooking than eating raw. Wood Sorrel Yew Safe Foods to Feed Rabbits Rabbits eat throughout the day and are happier and healthier when they have a variety of foods to eat. Anyone know about this specific plant and its rabbit edibility? We are not fully ready to answer questions in a timely manner as we are not officially open, but we will do our best. Rabbits dine out all year. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills. Common yellow wood sorrel. Likewise buttercups, foxgloves, primrose, delphiniums/larkspur, columbine (aquilegia) hellebore, comfrey, poppy, periwinkle, monkshood, nightshade, ivy, privet, holly and yew are all reasonably common garden plants and all are toxic. Did you know that if its not harvested and cut back yearly, cotton plants can actually grow into trees? Rabbits are so curious and love to taste new things. The toxicity of oxalic acid comes with fruits, leaves, Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)-bulbs can be fatal, Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)-whole plant, Indian rubber plant (Ficus elastica Decora), Indian tobacco (Nicotiana giauca) -all parts, Indian turnip (Arisaema triphyllum)-all parts, Iris (Iris sp. More often this is because of the varnish or finish on furniture, rather than the type of wood that is used. She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals. (Here are some of my favorite foraging books.). I love it. 10 Comments. This is why most 'people food' is a no-no; rabbits can't tolerate foods like bread, rice, chips, or chocolate for instance. Hemlock causes a horrible death very quickly after being eaten. Rabbits should not generally eat Garden Sorrel regularly, though a little now and then would be unlikely to cause issues (eg if your bunnies were grazing in the yard). From what I have read it is highly toxic to rabbits. Rabbits can eat sorrel too. Its only natural for them to be nervous. What are we about? I haven't fed it, but did see it in the woods and thought it was another variety of clover. Not only is sorrel good to eat, it also has medicinal properties. The flowers of wood sorrels and clovers are also completely different, as you can see in the photos below. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist. Unfortunately it isnt listed on the House Rabbits dietary page. Rabbits can eat any squash that humans can also eat. In the second year it grows taller and has florets of bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Yellow woodsorrel usually attains a height up to 8 inches, but it can grow taller in certain environments. . Parsley Good starts. The plant is a perennial weed with three heart-shaped leaflets and produces a five-petaled, yellow flower from spring to fall. You may find yellow wood sorrel (Oxalis stricta), creeping wood sorrel (Oxalis corniculata), or another type of edible wood sorrel growing in your garden right now, and its one of the tastier weeds you can eat. To be classified as an invasive species, the plant must be "non-native and able to establish on many sites, grow quickly, and spread to the point of disrupting plant communities or ecosystems." It is commonly found in fields, woods and borders, along roadsides and in other waste areas, and will even grow in the cracks of sidewalks. Youre far less likely to overconsume wood sorrel than rhubarb crisp or rhubarb juice, though people with arthritis, gout, or a history of kidney stones are sometimes advised to limit their consumption of oxalic acid. They are also sold in bundles of sticks for your rabbit. Calls from landlines will be charged at geographic rate. The whole flowering plant is used to make medicine. Rabbits have a fairly sensitive digestive system. Creeping yellow wood sorrel, nearly identical, also edible: Common yellow wood sorrel is nearly identical to . Some rabbits like to chew and tunnel under blankets, so its good to know that cotton is safe for them. These can be sturdy but also safe for rabbits. can vary significantly due to several factors including the composition of the soil the plant grew in, the time of year and the age of the plant. Flowers in unevenly branched panicles on long stems, with 5 yellow, rounded petals. The Foraged Foodie makes compound butter and a custard pie using sour grass. USDA. Yellow woodsorrel: oxalis stricta (Geraniales: oxalidaceae): Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. The seed pods hold about 10 to 50 seeds but can hold up to 5,000 seedsgiving them more opportunities to overtake gardens. It is also reported from Newfoundland and Labrador west to Manitoba and British Columbia. (also the hole in cell phone coverage, http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Impatiens+capensis, http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.missouriplants.com/Yellowalt/Oxalis_stricta_plant.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.missouriplants.com/Yellowalt/Oxalis_stricta_page.html&usg=__vAccduD3bfHIbB3uYX9dtC87RVo=&h=550&w=544&sz=99&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=H_TWzbAhMVFJSM:&tbnh=133&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doxalis%2Bstricta%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melilotus_officinalis, http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/listall.asp, http://urbpan.livejournal.com/tag/legumes. Sorrel is best combined with herbs such as plantain, clover, meadowsweet, etc. Culmhead Business Park Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Need some simple, practical solutions for living healthier and greener? isn't hop clover that low, white clover that's all over the yard all the time? Wood Sorrel ( Genus: Oxalis) is a common edible perennial or annual plant that grows in many sun and soil conditions. Rabbit Nutrition: How to feed your pet rabbit. Sprouts (from 1 to 6 days after sprouting, sprouts have higher levels of alkaloids) This weed spreads through horizontal stems (runners) and seeds that take root where it touches the soil. You will find a yes and no to on whether rabbits can eat sorrel or not, something that can be confusing. The common name wood sorrel is often used for other plants in the genus Oxalis. The plant forms in thick clumps. Often mistaken for clover, yellow wood sorrel has attractive trios of heart-shaped leaflets rather than the rounded leaves clovers have. These are two different plants. Young bunnies should be uncovered to hay as soon as they can eat on possess. Actively growing weeds are more likely to take the herbicide and move it through the entire weed down to its roots. This is a slightly sweeter wood, making it a more tempting type of chew toy for most rabbits. However, it should be consumed in moderation because the plant contains rather high levels of oxalic acid which is toxic in excessive amounts. HealthyGreenSavvy is committed to protecting your privacy. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. There is a little indent at the end of the leaf instead of a tip (most "shamrocks" and wood sorrel are species of oxalis). A rabbit's gastrointestinal tract cannot handle large amounts of carbs or sugar. 6. Video call a licensed vet to get expert advice. While it may sound very healthy, and wild rabbits may browse it, we dont see the need to insist on giving our bunnies sorrel, yet there are more healthy greens, herbs, and weeds. Sour grass is one of the wild greens we enjoy from our edible yard all season long. Crab's eye (Abrus precatorius)-seeds are fatal Creeping charlie, except houseplant (Glecoma, Nepeta hederacea) Cress/Crucifers/Mustards (Cruciferae-Brassica Raphanus, Descurainia spp.) Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Rabbits will all have their favorite types of branches and twigs. Anyway, our mystery plant the windowbox wood-sorrel, Red wood-sorrel,Oxalis articulata is certainly not a clover species of any sort, nor is it a member of the bean family at all. wild rabbits eat them at this time of year. Sign up for our newsletter, Love learning about edible and medicinal herbs? In short, yes, it is listed on the "moderate threat" invasive plant list in Kentucky. Sour grasss vitamin C content made it useful for preventing scurvy, along with more easily sourced spruce and pine. Claim Your Free eBook Now. When treating weeds in warm-season turfgrass such as St. Augustine grass, Buffalo grass, or Bermuda grass, use a post-emergent herbicide containing the active ingredient fluroxypyr. The Ghana India Trade Advisory Chamber is established to promote and enhance trade, investment and cultural interactions between Ghana and India. It produces long, narrow seed pods, tapered at both ends, which are square-shaped in cross-section. ALL Shopping Rod. Read the complete listing of the plant to get details regarding which parts to avoid. They seem to like eating it. In the first year it is low-growing in florets, with dull, mid-green, crinkly leaves. You've come to the right place! He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. does anyone know if yarrow, hop clover and/or jewelweed are edible for rabbits? It is reported in all the contiguous United States, except Oregon, California, Nevada, and Utah, but likely occurs in those states. This is a very toxic herb that can kill your rabbit. . You can purchase pine cones as toys for rabbits that have already been dried completely, but you can also bring them in from your yard. Some of the more common species in . Yellow wood sorrel and redwood sorrel typically grow about 8 inches tall, while creeping wood sorrel, as its name suggests, stays closer to the ground. The leaves, flowers, and immature green seed pods are all edible having a mild sour flavour that some say resemble lemons. Chemicals should only be spot applied by a professional to sorrel weeds, so no turf damage occurs. How to give sorrel to rabbits correctly. Also, deadhead the flowers as soon as they fade and remove any forming seeds pods. Its equally poisonous in both forms and must be strictly avoided. Oxalis (Oxalis spp. Come join the discussion about livestock, farming, gardening, DIY projects, hobbies, recipes, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Seed or sod any bare spots because that is where wood sorrel weed will find an opportunity to grow. (LogOut/ Common yellow woodsorrel in a lawn. and actual effort to produce a really good article but what can Somerset Its also a safe wood to use for furniture as long as there isnt any extra paint or toxic varnish. SOME THINGS WILL LOOK WEIRD AND/OR NOT BE CORRECT. However, it contains oxalic acid, which is considered toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock. Grey Dove. The leaves fold at night and open again during the day. Rabbits love to chew on things. Oxalic acid is found in many common foods, including chocolate, coffee, beets, and dark leafy greens like spinach. Wood sorrel is unrelated to French or gardensorrel (which is in the Rumex family), though it can be used in place of traditional sorrel in recipes. http://rabbit.org/suggested-vegetables-and-fruits-for-a-rabbit-diet/, This topic has 3sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated.