Do Deer Eat Comfrey? Are Comfrey Plants Deer Resistant?

How many people know that deer like to eat comfrey? I had no idea until a few weeks ago when I saw a buck eating the leaves from my comfrey plant. I was surprised, but it makes sense when you think about it. Comfrey is a nutritious plant, and deer are always looking for food sources that will help them stay healthy. If you have a comfrey plant in your garden, don't be surprised if you see deer grazing on it. They may even take up residence in your garden if there's plenty of comfrey to eat!

What is comfrey?

Comfrey is a deep-rooted, perennial herb that can grow up to three feet tall. The leaves are large and hairy with white, pink, or purple flowers blooming in the summertime. Comfrey has been used medicinally for centuries and is known as one of the most powerful healing herbs available. It contains allantoin, which speeds up the process of cell regeneration making it excellent for treating wounds and inflamed bones. Externally, comfrey can be made into a salve or ointment which can be applied to bruises, sprains, insect bites, etc.

Why do deer eat comfrey?

There are many reasons why deer might eat comfrey. Some of these reasons include:

  • Comfrey is a nutritious plant that contains high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
  • The leaves of the comfrey plant are large and tender, making them easy for deer to eat.
  • Comfrey grows in partially shaded areas, which can be appealing to deer who are seeking relief from the hot sun.
  • Deer may also eat comfrey out of curiosity or because they have not had enough experience with other plants.

Nutritional benefits of comfrey for deer

Comfrey is a nutritional powerhouse for deer, providing them with many essential nutrients that help keep them healthy and thriving. Some of the most important nutrients found in comfrey include protein, vitamins A, B12, and C, minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, and chlorophyll. Here are just a few of the ways these nutrients can benefit deer:

Protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as producing enzymes and hormones. Deer need high-quality protein to maintain their muscular physique, especially during times of rapid growth or after injury.

Vitamins A & C: These vitamins play important roles in immune function, bone development, wound healing, reproduction (including fetal development), stress response - basically every bodily process! Ensuring that deer have adequate levels of these vitamins is crucial to their overall health. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals - something that becomes increasingly important as animals age.

How to feed comfrey to deer?

The roots of comfrey are high in protein and minerals, making it an excellent food source for deer. When feeding comfrey to deer, it is important to chop or grind the roots into small pieces so that the animals can digest them properly. Feeding comfrey to deer on a regular basis will help improve their health and vitality.

When to feed comfrey to deer?

While comfrey can be fed to deer at any time, it is best to wait until the plant is in full bloom before offering it as food. This will ensure that the deer get the most nutrients possible from the plant. When picking comfrey leaves, be sure to avoid any that have been damaged by insects or disease.

Are comfrey dangerous for deer to eat?

No, comfrey is not dangerous for deer to eat. Comfrey is a nutrient-rich plant that provides many essential vitamins and minerals that deer need in their diet. It is also high in fiber which helps keep their digestive system healthy.

How to prevent deer from eating comfrey?

Deer love to eat comfrey, so if you have this plant growing in your garden, you'll need to take steps to prevent them from eating it.

Here are some tips on how to prevent deer from eating comfrey:

  • Fence off the area where the comfrey is growing with chicken wire or another type of fencing material. Make sure the fence is at least 6 - 8 feet tall so that deer cannot jump over it. If possible, bury the bottom of the fence several inches into the ground to further deter deer from getting into the area.
  • Plant other plants around your comfrey that deer don't like such as garlic or marigolds. This will create a barrier between your comfrey and the rest of your garden that deer are less likely to cross.
  • Apply commercial repellents containing putrescent egg solids, capsaicin, or vinegar to the leaves of comfrey plants.

Do deer like comfrey?

Deer tastes and preferences can vary significantly from individual to individual. However, there are some key things to consider that may make comfrey more or less appealing to deer.

One factor is the plant's nutritional content. Comfrey is relatively high in protein and calcium, which could make it a desirable food source for deer during certain times of the year (e.g., when other plants are less nutritious). Additionally, comfrey leaves contain allantoin - an organic compound that has been shown to promote healing in mammals (including deer). This property could make comfrey particularly attractive to sick or injured deer who are seeking out medicinal plants.

On the other hand, comfrey also contains compounds like pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) - substances that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. PAs can cause liver damage and/or cancerous tumors in animals (including deer), so it's possible that they would avoid eating too much of this plant as a result. In addition, comfreys strong scent might repel some deer while attracting others

Can baby deer eat comfrey?

Yes, baby deer can eat comfrey. However, it is important to note that comfrey contains poisonous compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These PAs can cause liver damage and other serious health problems in animals if consumed in large quantities. For this reason, it is best to only feed small amounts of comfrey to baby deer.

Do deer eat comfrey summary

Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the borage family. It is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found all over the world. Comfrey has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating wounds and bones. More recently, it has been shown to be effective in promoting tissue regeneration and healing from surgery or injury. Deer will eat comfrey if they have access to it, but it is not one of their preferred food sources. If deer are eating on your comfrey plants, you may need to take measures to protect them from browsing damage