Sweet Pea Vines Edible for Bunrabs?

[MamaSheepdog]

That would be Lathyrus odoratus for those Latins amongst us.

They are in the pea family, so I am assuming the answer is yes. They are best pinched back to encourage side shoots, and I hope to be able to feed the "pinchings" to the rabbits.

Has anyone fed them, or do I need to give them to the "Experimental Bunny" when the time comes?

 

[MaggieJ]

I'd be careful... I did a quick google search using the Latin name and the word edible and the information is very contradictory. Most of it seemed to relate to the flowers, not the leaves. The seeds seem to be toxic, at least in large quantities. The vines themselves may be okay... further research needed.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Thanks, MaggieJ.

I was only planning on feeding the leafy parts. I will let everyone know how the "Experimental Bunny" handles them.

 

[ladysown]

practical experience with sweet pea vines (the perennial version). They will eat them readily when they are young, WILL NOT eat them when actively flowering, will eat them between the flower and dry pea stage if they are strongly encouraged to do so, but aren't a fan of them (will eat almost anything else first).

Edited to add: Guinea pigs will eat them anytime regardless. They won't eat the seed/seed pods. When reaching the dead leaf stage they won't eat them though (but then the rabbits won't either). Only good then to be raked in with the leaves for fall compost pick up.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Thanks ladysown. The perennial type is Lathyrus latifolius. It will be interesting to see if they have the same preference with the annual vines.