Many people assume that animals instinctively recognize poisonous plants. However, the feeling is usually based on experience, so it can happen that unknown plants are eaten and cause an upset stomach. Do you own a pet that you don't want to endanger? You can safely plant zebra grass in the garden. Find out more about the toxicity here.
Is zebra grass poisonous?
Zebra grass is not poisonous to humans or animals; it belongs to the sweet grass family, in which poisonous specimens do not occur. However, the sharp edges of the stalks can cause skin injuries, so caution is advised.
Zebra grass is one of the sweet grasses
Zebra grass comes from the family of ornamental grasses, more precisely the sweet grasses, in which poisonous specimens do not occur. Consumption is not dangerous for humans or animals. However, zebra grass has very sharp edges on the stalks, which can cause injuries to the skin. Animals could cut their mouths.
Zebra grass as a fodder plant
On the contrary, zebra grass is a popular food plant for rodents like
- Guinea pig
- and rabbits
Feel free to let your pets run freely in the garden and eat the zebra grass.
Are protective measures necessary?
Nevertheless, protective measures may be necessary. Again, you should not expect your pets to be protected, but the plant. Some rodents like the Chinese plant so much that the stalks are eaten heavily and then no longer develop as well. Especially since eaten stalks have a rather shabby appearance. Since rabbits and guinea pigs are among the most common predators, a protective measure is quite easy to put in place. A low wire fence is sufficient. Simply tie the overhanging stalks together so they can thrive at unreachable heights. However, it should be noted that it is only very rare that zebra grass is eaten so badly that consequential damage remains.
