Do Deer Eat Phlox? Are Phlox Deer Resistant?

Deer eat phlox for the most part because it is a flowering plant that deer find visually appealing. The petals of the phlox flower are also edible to deer and provide some nutrients, though not as many as other plants that deer typically consume.

Why do deer eat phlox?

Phlox is a genus of 67 species of perennial plants in the family Polemoniaceae. They are found mostly in North America and Central America. These plants grow to between 30 cm and 1 m tall, with hairy leaves and stem, opposite leaf arrangement, and showy flower heads. The flowers can be white, pink, purple or blue depending on the species; some have yellow throats.

Nutritional benefits of phlox for deer

Phlox is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help support the health of deer populations. Here are some of the top nutritional benefits of phlox for deer:

  • Phlox is high in protein. Deer need plenty of protein to support their growth and development. A diet rich in protein helps them build strong muscles and bones, as well as keep their fur healthy and thick. Phlox flowers are an excellent source of this essential nutrient.
  • Phlox is packed with vitamins and minerals. In addition to being high in protein, phlox flowers contain many other important nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, and B complex. These vitamins play critical roles in supporting immunity, vision health, and cellular function. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium found in phlox too are essential for the deer to build healthy bones and teeth, and aid in their muscle functions.

How to prevent deer from eating phlox?

There are a few things you can do to prevent deer from eating your phlox.

One is to plant the phlox in an area that is not easily accessible to deer. This might mean planting them in a fenced garden or placing them on a deck or patio where deer cannot reach them.

Another option is to spray the phlox plants with a deer repellent. This will make the plants taste bad and deter deer from eating them. You will need to reapply the repellent every few weeks, especially after it rains.

If you live in an area with lots of deer, you may also want to consider covering your phlox with netting or cages.

Do deer like phlox?

Some deer will eat phlox, while others avoid it. The reason why a particular deer likes or dislikes phlox likely has to do with the individual's past experiences and preferences. If a deer has had positive experiences with eating phlox in the past (i.e., it found the plant to be nutritious and tasty), then it is more likely to seek out and consume this plant again in the future. On the other hand, if a deer has had negative experiences with eating phlox (i.e., it made the animal sick or caused digestive problems), then that deer is less likely to want anything to do with this plant moving forward.

Can deer digest phlox?

Deer are able to digest phlox without any problems. Phlox is a plant that deer often eat when they are out in the wild. The plant is high in fiber and has a lot of nutrients that deer need. Their stomachs are able to break down the plant easily and extract all of the nutrients. Deer will often eat phlox when they are looking for a food source that is high in fiber and nutrients.

Do deer eat phlox summary

Yes, deer eat phlox. Deer will consume a variety of plants in their natural environment. While there are many plants that deer enjoy eating, some of their favorites include clover, dandelions, hostas, roses, and yes – phlox. If you have a garden that is frequently visited by deer, you may want to consider planting some of these favorites to keep them away from your other plants.