Juniper plants are a common sight in many landscapes, recognized for their diverse forms, from groundcovers to tall, stately trees. Homeowners and nature enthusiasts often wonder about the interaction between these plants and local wildlife, particularly deer.
Do Deer Eat Juniper Berries?
Deer do consume juniper berries, though they are generally not a preferred food source. Consumption of juniper berries, as well as the plant’s foliage and twigs, often increases when more palatable food options are scarce, such as during harsh winter months or in areas with high deer populations. While deer may eat the berries, they are often more inclined to browse the juniper’s foliage or twigs, especially when other vegetation is covered by snow or unavailable. This behavior highlights juniper’s role as a fallback food rather than a primary dietary staple for deer.
Juniper’s Role in a Deer’s Diet
Juniper typically serves as a “browse” food for deer, meaning it is consumed out of necessity rather than preference. The plant’s strong scent, bitter taste, and sharp needles can act as deterrents, making it less appealing than other available forage. Despite these characteristics, juniper can become a significant part of a deer’s diet, particularly for mule deer during winter, where it might constitute a notable percentage of their browse intake alongside other plants like sagebrush and bitterbrush. The palatability of juniper is generally considered poor due to its high levels of volatile oils, which can lead deer to select other browse when possible.
Seasonal changes heavily influence deer foraging patterns, with juniper consumption rising when preferred forages are limited. During periods of deep snow, browse materials like juniper become more accessible and thus more frequently eaten. While juniper is rarely a primary food source for deer, its availability during challenging times makes it an important component of their survival diet, providing some sustenance when other options are unavailable.
Toxicity and Nutritional Profile
Juniper berries contain certain compounds, such as monoterpenes and condensed tannins, which can be irritating or mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities. However, deer typically do not ingest enough juniper berries or foliage to experience severe harm.
The nutritional contribution of juniper to a deer’s diet is minimal compared to other food sources. It can offer some limited energy and moisture, but it does not provide significant vitamins or minerals. Deer are ruminants with a four-chambered stomach, allowing them to process fibrous plant material, but juniper’s overall digestibility and nutritional value are not high. Despite its low nutritional density, juniper can help sustain deer during periods of food scarcity.
Protecting Your Juniper Plants
Physical barriers, such as fencing, offer an effective solution; a fence eight to ten feet tall is generally recommended to deter deer from jumping over. Individual plant protectors, like woven-wire mesh cylinders or burlap wraps, can also safeguard young or vulnerable junipers.
Deer repellents, available commercially or as homemade concoctions, can discourage browsing, but they require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or every few weeks, to maintain effectiveness. Another approach is to select juniper varieties known for their deer resistance, such as Chinese juniper, Moonglow, Skyrocket, Blue Arrow, Blue Point, or Spartan. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, especially when deer are highly motivated by hunger, these options can reduce the likelihood of significant damage.