Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a popular, low-growing perennial often used by gardeners as a durable groundcover or a fragrant addition to rock gardens. When considering this plant in an environment where rabbits are present, these common garden visitors generally avoid consuming it. Creeping thyme is widely categorized as a rabbit-resistant plant, meaning that rabbits consistently choose other, more palatable vegetation over thyme.
Why Rabbits Avoid Creeping Thyme
The primary reason rabbits bypass creeping thyme is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that give the herb its characteristic strong aroma and pungent flavor. These compounds act as a natural defense mechanism, making the plant undesirable for grazing animals. The most significant VOCs are thymol and carvacrol, which are concentrated in the plant’s tiny leaves and released when disturbed.
These chemical compounds are perceived by a rabbit’s sensitive sense of smell and taste as sharp and unappetizing. The strong scent alone is often enough to deter a rabbit from nibbling on the foliage. Although the concentration of these compounds in the fresh herb is much lower than in commercial essential oils, it is sufficient to signal that the plant is not a desirable food source.
Secondary factors contributing to avoidance include the plant’s physical structure. The plant is low-lying and dense, and its small, woody stems and tiny, firm leaves offer little easily digestible biomass. Furthermore, the nutritional value of thyme is relatively low compared to the tender grasses and broadleaf weeds that rabbits prefer for forage. This combination of strong flavor, unappealing texture, and poor nutritional return makes creeping thyme a low-priority food source.
Using Creeping Thyme as a Natural Deterrent
Gardeners can apply the knowledge that rabbits instinctively dislike the strong-smelling foliage of creeping thyme to protect vulnerable plants. Planting Thymus serpyllum as a strategic border around gardens or flower beds establishes a low-level, aromatic barrier. This method leverages the rabbit’s aversion to the pungent scent, masking the appealing aroma of nearby vegetables, annuals, or other favored plants.
This technique is a form of companion planting, where the deterrent herb reduces the likelihood of grazing on its neighbors. Creating a perimeter of dense creeping thyme around lettuce or young hostas can effectively discourage a rabbit from entering the area. While this defense is highly effective, it is not a perfect solution; a food-stressed or determined rabbit may still sample or breach the barrier. Planting dense, aromatic herbs like thyme decreases the potential for widespread garden damage.
Safety Profile of Thyme for Rabbits
Creeping thyme is considered non-toxic for both wild and domestic rabbits, meaning that accidental nibbling will not cause serious harm. The herb is safe for consumption and is sometimes recommended as a healthy, small treat for pet rabbits due to its high fiber content. The same aromatic compounds that deter consumption in the garden are beneficial in the digestive tract, possessing mild antiseptic properties.
The difference between avoidance and toxicity is important, as rabbits are deterred by the strong flavor rather than being poisoned. When consumed in moderation as part of a varied, hay-based diet, the fresh herb is harmless. The primary caution is with concentrated thyme essential oil, which is thousands of times stronger than the plant itself and should never be administered to rabbits. The intact leaves of the garden plant pose no threat and are simply bypassed.