Goldenrod is a familiar sight, particularly as summer transitions into fall. Do deer consume goldenrod? Understanding this interaction provides clarity on deer browsing habits and the plant’s ecological role.
The Truth About Deer and Goldenrod
Deer consume goldenrod, but it is not their preferred food source. As opportunistic feeders, deer adapt their diet based on plant availability. While deer browse a wide array of plant species, their consumption of goldenrod varies. Deer are browsers, primarily eating leaves, twigs, and young shoots of woody plants and forbs, rather than grazing on grasses.
Deer browse goldenrod, often when other palatable options are scarce. Some goldenrod species are deer-resistant due to coarse texture, strong scent, or bitter taste. However, even these less appealing varieties may be nibbled, especially if deer pressure is high or preferred foods are unavailable.
Factors That Influence Deer Browsing
Several factors influence deer browsing on goldenrod. The palatability of specific goldenrod species plays a role, as some varieties possess characteristics like coarse texture or bitter compounds that deter deer. Stiff Goldenrods are considered deer-resistant due to their leathery leaves, pungent odor, and bitter taste. Showy Goldenrods are also avoided due to their coarse texture and bitter taste.
The availability of other, more nutritious food sources dictates deer foraging behavior. Deer prefer tender, nutrient-rich plants. If abundant preferred forage, such as clover, ragweed, or mast-producing trees, is readily available, deer are less likely to heavily consume goldenrod. Goldenrod typically serves as a secondary or tertiary food choice.
The time of year also impacts goldenrod consumption. In late fall and winter, when many other food sources become scarce, deer may turn to less preferred plants like goldenrod to meet their nutritional needs. Younger, tender goldenrod shoots emerging in spring might also be more appealing than mature, woody stems. Local deer population density is another determining factor; in areas with high deer populations, competition for food can lead to increased browsing pressure on a wider range of plants, including goldenrod.
Goldenrod’s Place in Deer Diet and Ecosystem
Goldenrod’s nutritional value for deer is moderate, making it a supplemental browse rather than a dietary staple. It provides crude protein ranging from 10.6% to 19%, averaging 13.8%. While sufficient for deer maintenance, other plants like ragweed offer higher protein levels, averaging 19.6%. Deer require 13% to 16% protein for growth, antler development, and reproduction.
Goldenrod’s role in the deer diet becomes more pronounced during periods of scarcity, particularly in late summer and winter when other forage options diminish. It provides cover for deer, especially fawning cover in the summer and travel cover in the fall, which can also influence browsing patterns. The ecological relationship between deer browsing and goldenrod populations can also affect plant diversity. While deer may browse goldenrod, the plant’s resilience, with deep, fibrous root systems, allows it to often recover, and some species can even exhibit “overcompensation” by producing more flowers after being nibbled.
Managing Goldenrod in Your Landscape
To manage goldenrod in your landscape, several strategies can be employed. Fencing is among the most effective physical barriers to prevent deer from accessing plants. For comprehensive protection, deer fences need to be at least 7 to 8 feet tall, as deer can clear lower heights. Shorter fences, around 4 feet, might deter deer from very small garden plots, as they are hesitant to jump into confined spaces.
Deer repellents offer another management option, working through taste or odor to make plants less appealing. Homemade repellents using ingredients like rotten eggs, milk, garlic, or hot peppers can be effective, and commercial products are also available. These repellents should be applied before deer become accustomed to browsing the plants and require regular reapplication, especially after rain. Planting less palatable varieties of goldenrod, such as Stiff Goldenrod or Showy Goldenrod, can naturally reduce browsing pressure.
Providing alternative food sources for deer in other areas of the landscape can also divert their attention from desired plants. This can include planting highly preferred forages like clover, alfalfa, or certain woody browse species in designated areas. Ultimately, a combination of these tactics often yields the best results for managing deer interactions with goldenrod and other landscape plants.