I HAD NO IDEA, none, that rabbits eat milkweed leaves. But, looking out the kitchen window toward my mess of plants, I saw two young rabbits, one feasting on milkweed. The bunny stood, grabbed a fat leaf and devoured it in less than a minute.
Alright then. Naughty bunny!
This feasting came as a surprise, although I wondered why several milkweeds appeared partially eaten with one even snapped and dead. Now I’ve seen firsthand who’s been dining in my yard.
I would prefer the rabbits leave the milkweeds for their intended purpose—as a host plant for monarchs to lay their eggs and as the sole source of food for monarch caterpillars. But no adolescent bunny is going to listen to me.
My eldest daughter has battled rabbits for years at her south metro home. They eat the flowers in her front yard like it’s Mr. McGregor’s garden. And they are even so brazen as to hop up the steep back deck steps and nibble on potted flowers. Naughty bunnies! She certainly has a rabbit problem and definitely dislikes cottontails. I’m not at that level. I still think rabbits are mostly cute.
Despite this unwelcome feeding on the many milkweed plants that grow randomly and prolifically on my property, I have no intention of chasing away the rabbits. I mean, they do have to eat and I have not provided them with any tempting options like petunias.
Plus, they are fun to watch when they’re little and cute.
TELL ME: How do you feel about rabbits? Are they an issue for you?
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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