Deer love to eat sedum, and there are many reasons why. Sedum is a high-protein deer food, packed with minerals and vitamins that deer need to be healthy. When deer are searching for a nutritious dinner, they will frequently go after this plant. The taste of sedum is also very appealing to deer. They seem to enjoy the sweetness of the leaves, stems, and flowers alike. This makes it a great treat for them.
Why do deer eat sedum?
There are many reasons why deer might eat sedum. Here are just a few:
- The leaves of the plant are high in protein, which is essential for deer during winter.
- Sedum plants contain little to no fat, making them a healthier option than other types of vegetation that may be available to deer.
- Deer find sedum plants palatable and often seek them out specifically as a source of food.
Nutritional benefits of sedum for deer
Sedum plants offer a wide range of nutritional benefits for deer. Some of the most important nutrients that deer gain from eating sedum include:
Protein - The leaves of the plant are high in protein, which helps deer maintain their energy levels and build new tissue.
Minerals - Sedum plants are rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for proper deer health.
Vitamins - Sedum leaves are also a good source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for the immune system.
What type of sedum do deer like to eat
As a landscape designer, I am often asked which type of sedum is deer resistant. And while there are many factors that contribute to whether or not deer will eat your plants (including hunger, population density, and plant palatability), the truth is that no plant is completely deer proof. That said, some sedums are more likely to be eaten by deer than others. Here's a look at three popular types of sedum and how they fare with our four-legged friends:
Sedum spectabile (Showy Stonecrop): This North American native is one of the most drought-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties of sedum. It's also fairly unpalatable to deer, making it a good choice for areas where these critters are known to roam.
Sedum album (White Stonecrop): A low-growing variety that forms mats of white flowers in late summer/early fall, White Stonecrop isn't particularly tasty to deer either...which makes it another good option for landscaping in areas where these animals are present.
Sedum rupestre (Reflexed Stonecrop): A favorite of mine, Reflexed Stonecrop is a beautiful groundcover with pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late summer. It's not the most deer-resistant sedum out there, but it's still a good choice for areas where deer pressure is low to moderate.
As you can see, there are a number of sedum varieties that deer are not especially fond of. If you're looking to add some of these plants to your landscape, consider one of the three varieties listed above.
When do deer eat sedum?
Deer will eat sedum throughout the year, but they are especially fond of it in the spring and fall. The leaves are full of water and nutrients, making them a great source of food for these animals. However, deer will only eat many sedum when they are desperate for food or if there is no other vegetation available. If you see deer eating your sedum plants, it's best to let them finish the job so they don't starve.
Is sedum dangerous for deer to eat?
No, sedum is not dangerous for deer to eat. It's a nutritious food source that provides them with essential nutrients and moisture. However, if you see deer eating large amounts of sedum, it's a good idea to contact a wildlife expert or your local humane society to see if the animals are in need of assistance.
How to prevent deer from eating sedum?
When it comes to your precious sedum, you definitely don't want them chomping on your hard-earned greenery. So how do you keep the deer away from your beloved plants? The best way to feed sedum to deer is by using a repellent. Deer are creatures of habit and they will quickly learn that eating your sedum is not an option if they get a bad taste in their mouth. There are many different types of repellents available on the market, so be sure to find one that works best for you and your garden.
Here are some tips for keeping those pesky deer away from your beautiful sedum:
- Use a commercial or homemade repellent: There are many effective options available commercially, or you can make your own with ingredients like garlic, chili powder, or vinegar diluted in water (just be sure not spray this directly onto leaves as it may damage them). Reapply after rainstorms since heavy rains can wash the scent away quickly.
- Plant deterrents nearby: Some good examples include marigolds, garlic, daffodils, and lavender. Their strong scents help mask the smell of sedums making it harder for deer to find them.
- Install a fence: This is undoubtedly the most successful choice, but it's also the most costly and time-consuming. If you have deer in your area, a fence is worth considering.
Do deer like sedum?
There are many factors that come into play when determining whether or not deer will nibble on your Sedum (or any other plant for that matter). Some of these include:
- The type of Sedum you have. There are over 600 species of Sedum, so they vary widely in taste and texture. Deer tend to prefer softer, more succulent varieties like Sedum morganianun (donkey tail sedum) and Sedu Spurium (stonecrop).
- The time of year. In general, deer are more likely to eat plants in the spring and summer when their natural food sources are limited. However, if there is an especially harsh winter with little vegetation available, they may be desperate enough to sample just about anything.
- The location. If your garden is near woods or fields where deer already frequent, they may be more likely to venture in and help themselves to a meal. Conversely, if you live in an urban area far from their usual haunts, they're less likely to take a chance on unfamiliar territory
Can deer digest sedum?
Did you know that deer can digest sedum? This hardy succulent is a favorite food source for these browsers, and they can actually extract a lot of nutrients from it. Sedum is high in cellulose, which isn't easy to break down. But deer have specially adapted gut flora that helps them ferment this tough plant material. Their gut microbiota is key to their digestive success.
What is sedum?
Sedum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Sedums are succulent perennial herbs with fleshy leaves and stems. The flowers are borne in terminal clusters or solitary on the leaf axils. Some species have yellow flowers while others have pink or white blooms.
Do deer eat sedum summary
The take-home message is that deer like to eat sedum, and will often seek it out in gardens. If you have a problem with deer damaging your plants, then consider growing something else instead, or at least a sedum species that deer don't like. You could also try using repellents or installing a fence.