Deer browsing is a common challenge for many gardeners, leading to questions about the palatability of ornamental plants. Whether deer eat the plant commonly known as “Wandering Jew” is complex because the answer is not a simple yes or no. While this plant is frequently listed as deer-resistant, consumption ultimately varies greatly depending on environmental conditions and the availability of preferred food sources. Understanding the specific plant, its chemical defenses, and local deer pressure is necessary to determine the likelihood of it being browsed in your garden.
Clarifying the “Wandering Jew” Plant
The common name “Wandering Jew” refers to several distinct, though closely related, species within the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. These plants most often belong to the genera Tradescantia and Callisia. Accurate identification is important because different species exhibit slight variations in chemical composition and texture, which may influence a deer’s decision to eat them.
The most common species encountered are Tradescantia zebrina, known for its distinctive purple and silver-striped leaves, and Tradescantia fluminensis, which has smaller, green and white variegated foliage. Another plant sometimes called by this name is Callisia repens, or Turtle Vine, which shares the creeping, trailing growth habit. All these plants are succulent, meaning they have fleshy stems and leaves that retain water.
Palatability and Factors Influencing Consumption
Plants in the Tradescantia genus are frequently categorized as deer-resistant, suggesting they are not a primary food source. This resistance is attributed to the plant’s texture and the presence of internal chemical irritants. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong odors, fuzzy or tough leaves, or milky sap, though the succulent nature of the leaves can be appealing in dry conditions.
Consumption levels are directly tied to environmental stress and the availability of alternative forage. During periods of resource scarcity, such as severe drought or deep winter snow, deer become less selective in their diet. When preferred foods like clover or hostas are unavailable, deer may browse plants they would normally ignore, including the Wandering Jew.
The plant’s low-growing, mat-forming habit, such as Tradescantia fluminensis, makes it easily accessible to browsing animals. The plant’s juiciness may act as a temporary attractant when other vegetation is dry, overriding the mild deterrent properties.
Toxicity and Skin Irritation Concerns
The primary defense mechanism in many Tradescantia species is the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, specifically raphides, which are needle-like structures found in the plant’s sap. When a leaf is chewed, these insoluble crystals are released, causing mechanical irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. This immediate discomfort usually prevents a deer from consuming a large amount of foliage.
The sap can also cause contact dermatitis in some humans and pets, particularly dogs. Direct contact with the plant’s juices may result in skin irritation, redness, and itching, an effect known as chemical dermatitis. While the toxicity is considered mild, the uncomfortable physical reaction serves as an effective deterrent to repeated browsing by deer and other herbivores.
Strategies for Protecting Garden Plants
Gardeners facing browsing issues should focus on practical, non-lethal methods to deter deer, recognizing that no plant is truly deer-proof under severe pressure. The most reliable method is physical exclusion, such as installing fencing or netting around vulnerable garden beds. Fences should be at least eight feet tall or utilize a double-fence design to discourage deer from jumping.
For smaller areas or hanging baskets, applying commercial deer repellents can be effective, though they require reapplication, especially after rain or new growth. These repellents typically work by taste or by scent, emitting an odor that deer dislike. Planting the Wandering Jew near more strongly scented, deer-resistant species, such as aromatic herbs like rosemary or lavender, can also help to mask its presence and discourage browsing.