Yes, deer consume potato plants, targeting the leaves and stems, especially when other forage is limited. This grazing behavior often frustrates gardeners who notice damaged foliage and stunted growth in their potato patches. This information clarifies why deer are attracted to this crop, what specific parts of the plant they eat despite potential toxicity, and how growers can protect their yields.
Why Potatoes Appeal to Deer
Deer are adaptable and opportunistic browsers, seeking out available, palatable forage. Potato foliage, consisting of tender leaves and stems, offers a readily accessible food source, particularly during the spring and early summer growing seasons. When plants are young, the new shoots are soft, succulent, and packed with moisture, making them an attractive target for deer emerging from winter.
Although potato plants are not a preferred food source like clover or corn, they become a viable option when primary forage is scarce. This is especially true in areas with high deer populations, limited natural habitat, or during periods of drought. The high water content of potato greens makes them an efficient meal for hydration and quick energy. The damage tends to be localized, with deer tearing off the upper portions of the plant rather than cleanly cutting the stems.
Toxicity and Specific Consumption Patterns
The potato plant, belonging to the nightshade family (Solanum), contains naturally occurring toxic compounds known as glycoalkaloids. These compounds are concentrated in the foliage, stems, sprouts, and any green parts of the potato. For deer, which have evolved to tolerate certain plant toxins, the presence of these glycoalkaloids generally makes the plant a low-preference food.
Deer typically consume the tender, newer leaves and stems, which contain lower levels of toxins compared to older foliage. The highest concentrations of glycoalkaloids are found in the potato’s flowers and any tubers that have turned green due to sun exposure. The underground tubers are rarely consumed because deer do not typically dig for food. Consumption of the most toxic parts is usually a sign of extreme hunger when all other food sources are unavailable.
Practical Strategies for Crop Protection
Physical barriers remain the most dependable method for preventing deer from accessing potato crops. A permanent fence should be at least 7 to 8 feet tall to be effective, as white-tailed deer can easily jump obstacles. Alternatively, a double-layer fence consisting of two parallel 4-foot fences spaced 3 to 4 feet apart creates a visual barrier that deer are hesitant to jump. A simple, single-strand electric fence at nose height (about 30 inches) can also deter them by providing a non-harmful shock.
Chemical repellents work by appealing to a deer’s sense of smell or taste, making the foliage unpleasant to browse. Repellents based on putrefied egg solids, blood meal, or capsaicin (hot pepper extract) are commonly used to create a taste aversion. These treatments require reapplication every few weeks and immediately after heavy rainfall to maintain efficacy. Rotating between different types of repellents can prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single smell or taste.
Planting strategy includes locating the potato patch closer to human activity or pets, as deer prefer quiet, secluded feeding spots. In smaller gardens, wire cages or netting can be placed directly over the plants to shield vulnerable foliage during the early growth stage. Temporary cylinders of wire mesh around individual hills also provide a localized defense against browsing.