Animals that eat arrowgrass are animals that can be found in the wild. Some of these animals include deer, rabbits, and coyotes. All of these animals may be seen grazing on arrowgrass from spring to fall.
Arrowgrass is not only eaten by wild animals but also domesticated pets like cats and dogs as well as livestock like horses, chickens, cows, sheep, and goats. Arrowgrass can be poisonous to cattle and sheep if ingested in high quantities so it is important to monitor their grazing habits.
Mammals that eat arrowgrass
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Coyotes
- Horses
- Chickens
- Goats
- Cows
- Sheep
Waterbirds that eat arrowgrass
- Black Duck
Where does Arrowgrass grow naturally
Arrowgrass grows naturally in Europe, North America, North Africa, and temperate Asia. The leaves are lance-shaped to oval with a sharp point at the end. Florets are yellow to brownish red. Arrowgrass is up to three feet tall. Arrowgrass is a perennial plant that grows in a clump of basal leaves and a stalk with small flowers.
It thrives best on acidic soil rich in humus, but can also grow on clay or in dry locations. Arrow grass is harvested in the fall when it is in flower. The leaves are used fresh, but can also be dried and stored for later use.
What is the nutritional value of Arrowgrass leaves and seedlings?
Young arrowgrass leaves are nutritious and taste like spinach, older ones have a strong flavor that needs to be masked with other flavors if you want to eat them. Arrowgrass is a good source of dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Arrow grass leaves have 7% crude protein and 3% crude fat content, supporting its nutritional value for herbivores.
Some animals eat arrowgrass seeds, which are dispersed by the wind. The fruit of this plant is a short-beaked achene.
Animal browsing
Deer browse on young arrow grass plants during the winter. Bears eat arrowgrass while browsing in swampy areas.
Animals grazing on arrowgrass
The leaves of the arrowgrass are preferred to forage during the summer months by adult and young moose, deer, and elk. The arrowgrass is used as a hay source by camels in Alaska, which also graze on other plants such as Salicornia sp. when available.
This plant grows best in moist soils, although it can also be found in dry habitats. The plant forms dense colonies that displace native vegetation. It is possible to plant arrowgrass. Arrowgrass can be propagated by seed or vegetatively from fragments of the rhizomes.
