The Importance of Cottontail Rabbits in the Dispersal of Polygonum Spp.

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Abstract
Achenes of P. lapathifolium, P. pensylvanicum and P. periscaria are commonly eaten by cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) in southern Ontario [Canada]. Feeding experiments showed that the smaller achenes of P. lapathifolium and P. persicaria germinated after excretion, but most larger achenes of these 2 spp. and all those of P. pensylvanicum were destroyed by the digestive process. The average retention time of 6 h (maximum 48 h) should allow short distance dispersal within riverbank habitats, and to nearby croplands where both P. lapathifolium and P. persicaria can be aggressive weeds. Several adaptations of these species were identified which make the achenes attractive to cottontail rabbits and enhance their chances of surviving digestion.