Deer enjoy eating euonymus, especially the leaves. The evergreen shrub is a common sight in many yards and gardens, making it an easy target for deer browsing. While most types of euonymus are not poisonous to deer, there are some that can cause stomach problems if eaten in large quantities. If you have a problem with deer eating your euonymus, try planting something else in its place or putting up a fence to keep them out.
Nutritional benefits of euonymus for deer
The euonymus is a deciduous shrub that grows in North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant has small, glossy green leaves and produces berries that are eaten by birds. The euonymus is also known as the burning bush because of the red color its leaves turn in autumn. Deer love to eat the young shoots and leaves of this plant.
Eating euonymus provides many nutritional benefits for deer including:
- Vitamin C: These vitamins play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system, which helps protect against diseases and infections.
- Fiber: Fiber aids digestion and helps keep deer regular (preventing constipation).
- Potassium: Potassium helps regulate blood pressure levels, supports nerve function, aids muscle contraction/relaxation
What type of euonymus do deer like to eat?
There are many types of euonymus that deer like to eat, including the American wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), the burning bush (Euonymus alatus), and the Japanese spindle tree (Euonymus japonicus). Deer will also eat other types of euonymous if they are available.
How to feed euonymus to deer?
Euonymous is not a preferred food source for deer, but they will eat it if nothing else is available. The plants are relatively low in nutrition and calories, so deer won't get much from eating them. However, during times of scarce food sources or severe weather conditions, euonymous can provide some sustenance for deer. If you live in an area where there is a large population of deer and they frequently invade your property, feeding them may help keep them away from other more desirable plants on your property that they would otherwise eat.
When feeding euonymus to deer:
- Cut the plant down close to ground level so new growth will be encouraged; this also makes the plant more attractive to browsing animals since most prefer tender new shoots over tougher older leaves further up on the stem.
- Spread a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around each plant; this helps protect against damage from hooves as well as keeps moisture levels consistent which benefits young roots.
- Fertilize regularly with compost or manure tea - extra nutrients will give plants a better chance at outcompeting weeds so there will be more for the deer to eat and a better chance of the plant surviving after it has been eaten.
How to prevent deer from eating euonymus?
There are a few things you can do to prevent deer from eating euonymus:
- Apply a commercial repellent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Repellents work by either masking the scent of the plants or making them taste unpleasant. Be sure to reapply after rainfall or irrigation.
- Install physical barriers such as fencing around your garden beds. A fence should be at least 8 feet tall to deter deer from jumping over.
- Plant deer-resistant plants near your euonymus.
Do deer like euonymus?
Here are some things to consider if you're wondering whether or not do deer like euonymus:
- The type of euonymus: Some varieties (like burning bush) are much more attractive to deer than others. If you're concerned about keeping deer away from your plants, choose one that isn't as appealing to them.
- The health of the plant: A sick or dying plant is going to be much less appetizing to a hungry animal than a healthy one.
- The time of year: During winter months when other food sources are scarce, deer may be more likely to nibble on your euonymus regardless of its variety or condition.
Can deer digest euonymus?
Yes, deer can eat and digest euonymus plants without any problems. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning on planting euonymus in your yard or garden.
First of all, while most varieties of euonymus are relatively safe for deer to consume, there are a few that can be poisonous if eaten in large quantities. If you're concerned about whether or not the variety of euonymous you have is safe for deer, it's always best to check with your local wildlife office before planting it.
Secondly, even though they can technically eat and digest the plant material from euonymus plants without issue, that doesn't mean that they'll actually enjoy doing so! In fact, many times when given the choice between eating something tasty like leaves from an oak tree or munching on some tough old twigs from a burning bush...well...a lot of times they'll go for the tastier option. So while theoretically speaking deer can digest euonymus plants just fine - practically speaking they may leave them alone unless absolutely nothing else is available as food sources at the time.
Do deer eat euonymus summary
Yes, deer will eat euonymus if given the chance. However, there are some things you can do to deter them from eating your plants.
One way to keep deer away from euonymus is by planting them in an area that the animals cannot reach. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, this may not be possible.
Deer also avoid areas where there are humans present. If you often see deer in your yard, try placing a bird feeder or other object near the plant so that they will associate that area with being near humans. You can also spray commercial repellents on the leaves of your euonymus plants which will make them taste bad to deer and discourage browsing
