Asiatic lilies are a popular choice for gardeners due to their vibrant colors and relatively easy maintenance. However, the presence of local wildlife often turns the promise of beautiful blooms into frustration, with plants disappearing overnight or becoming stripped of foliage. This article will definitively answer whether deer eat Asiatic lilies and provide actionable strategies to protect these prized flowers from hungry visitors.
The Appeal of Asiatic Lilies to Deer
The simple answer to whether deer consume Asiatic lilies is yes; they are considered a highly palatable food source. Deer are attracted to plants that offer high moisture content and tender, succulent new growth, which Asiatic lilies provide in abundance. They primarily feed on the sweet foliage and plump flower buds.
This feeding behavior is particularly noticeable during the spring and early summer when the lilies are actively growing and producing buds. Deer systematically target the softest parts of the plant, often consuming the buds before they open. The plant’s high water content and lack of strong, unappealing scents make it an easy meal. Pressure on lilies can become more intense during periods of environmental stress, such as drought, when preferred food sources are less available.
Identifying Deer Damage Versus Other Pests
Deer damage is characterized by a ragged, torn appearance on the stems and leaves of the lily plants. This occurs because deer lack upper incisor teeth and must tear or pull the vegetation rather than making a clean slice.
The height of the damage is another distinct indicator, as deer typically browse on plant material up to six feet from the ground, often creating a visible “browse line.” In contrast, damage caused by rabbits or woodchucks is usually found close to the soil line, typically under two feet, and features a neat, angled cut left by their sharp incisors. Deer will also frequently consume entire flower buds or the tops of stems, leaving behind splintered ends, a clear sign that a larger animal has been feeding.
Practical Strategies for Protecting Lilies
The most reliable method for preventing deer damage is the use of physical exclusion barriers. Since deer are capable jumpers, a fence must be at least seven to eight feet tall to be effective. For smaller garden areas, a six-foot fence may offer adequate protection, but the eight-foot height is recommended to deter a determined deer from attempting a leap.
Alternatively, individual plants or small groupings can be protected with temporary wire cages or netting secured over the lilies during their vulnerable growing season. Repellents offer another layer of defense, falling into taste-based or scent-based categories. Taste repellents are applied to the foliage, making it unpalatable, while scent repellents emit odors that mimic predators or signal danger.
For maximum effectiveness, repellents should be rotated frequently, as deer can quickly become accustomed to a single product. Reapplication is necessary after heavy rainfall or when new growth emerges, as untreated foliage becomes an immediate target. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be employed, startling the animals with a sudden burst of water and sound, thus discouraging them from lingering in the area.
Toxicity of Lilies to Animals
While the primary concern for gardeners is the destruction of their plants, a secondary consideration is the potential toxicity of the lilies to animals. Asiatic lilies, belonging to the Lilium genus, are extremely toxic to cats and pose a life-threatening risk. Ingestion of even a small amount of the plant—including the leaves, flowers, pollen, or even the water from a vase—can lead to acute kidney failure in felines.
Fortunately, this severe nephrotoxicity seen in cats does not extend to deer or other grazing mammals. While the plant is not considered a healthy food source for deer, consuming it will not result in the same fatal kidney damage observed in cats. This distinction serves as an important reminder for pet owners, highlighting that while the lilies are a nuisance for gardeners, they represent a serious health hazard for household cats.