Calla lilies are a popular choice for many gardeners. For those in areas with deer, a common concern is their vulnerability to browsing. Understanding deer feeding habits and plant characteristics can help gardeners protect their calla lilies.
Do Deer Eat Calla Lilies?
Calla lilies are generally considered deer-resistant plants, meaning deer typically avoid them as a food source. This resistance makes them a suitable addition to gardens in areas where deer are present. While they are not a preferred food, no plant is entirely deer-proof. Deer are opportunistic feeders, and during severe food scarcity, such as harsh winters or droughts, they might browse on plants they normally avoid.
Individual deer preferences can vary. Rutgers University research indicates that calla lilies are less frequently targeted by deer compared to other more palatable options like hostas. Their inclusion in lists of deer-resistant flowers further supports that they are usually not on the deer’s menu.
Understanding Calla Lily Toxicity
The primary reason deer avoid calla lilies is their toxicity. Calla lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals throughout their leaves and stems. These needle-shaped crystals cause irritation upon ingestion.
When a deer attempts to chew a calla lily, these crystals embed themselves in the mouth and throat tissues. This causes a burning sensation, deterring the animal from consuming more. This defense mechanism makes the plant unpalatable and explains its deer resistance.
Signs of Deer Activity
Identifying deer damage is important if your calla lilies show signs of disturbance. Deer lack upper incisors, which results in a characteristic feeding pattern. When they browse, they grasp and tear plant material, leaving ragged or torn edges on leaves and stems. This differs from the clean, angled cuts often seen from rabbits or rodents.
Deer typically browse plants up to six feet high, so damage at higher levels suggests deer activity. Other signs of deer presence include distinctive, heart-shaped tracks in soft soil and elongated pellet droppings. Male deer may also rub their antlers on young trees, causing shredded bark, though this is less common for calla lilies themselves.
Protecting Your Calla Lilies
Physical barriers are an effective way to protect calla lilies from deer. A sturdy fence is a reliable deterrent, with a recommended height of at least eight feet to prevent deer from jumping over. For smaller garden areas or wooded settings where deer depth perception is limited, a six to seven-foot fence may also be effective.
Repellents offer another layer of protection by deterring deer through taste or smell. Commercial repellents often contain ingredients like dried blood, garlic, or hot pepper, which are unappealing to deer. These products require regular reapplication, especially after rain or as new plant growth emerges, to maintain effectiveness. Some gardeners also use DIY solutions such as strong-smelling soaps, human hair, or mixtures containing garlic and eggs.
Strategic planting can also help protect your calla lilies. Placing them closer to your home or in areas with natural barriers can make access more challenging for deer. Companion planting with deer-resistant species that have strong scents, such as lavender, rosemary, or alliums, can further discourage deer from approaching the area. Consistent monitoring for early signs of deer browsing allows for timely intervention, helping to prevent extensive damage.