Chicory, a perennial herb recognizable by its bright blue flowers, is a highly favored forage plant used in wildlife food plots. This cool-season plant attracts deer and is beneficial for them, making it a valuable addition to any deer management program.
Why Deer Seek Out Chicory
Deer are strongly attracted to chicory due to its exceptional palatability and high digestibility. The leaves are tender and contain very little woody material compared to other forages. Studies show chicory leaves can be over 95% digestible, allowing deer to quickly extract nutrients.
The plant’s consumption habits change seasonally, which makes it particularly useful throughout the year. Deer often graze heavily on chicory during the spring and summer months when protein demands are high for antler growth and lactation. Chicory’s deep taproot allows it to tap into deeper moisture reserves in the soil, enabling it to remain green and palatable during dry periods when other forages may turn brown and go dormant.
Deer consumption often increases noticeably in the fall as cooler temperatures arrive. This seasonal preference may be linked to a change in the plant’s chemistry or its continued availability when other food sources decline. Chicory remains a reliable source of forage, even during summer heat.
Nutritional Contributions to Deer Health
Chicory offers substantial nutritional benefits that support the health and development of deer. The leaves are packed with crude protein, often ranging from 20% to 30%. This level is well above the minimum required for optimal deer health.
This high protein concentration is important for bucks during the spring and summer, fueling the rapid growth of antlers. For does, high-protein forage supports the energy demands of lactation and fawn rearing. Chicory also has high digestibility, with acid detergent fiber (ADF) values often below 20%, indicating low indigestible fiber.
Beyond protein, chicory is rich in various minerals important for biological functions. It contains high levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are building blocks for bone and antler growth. It also contains higher concentrations of trace minerals, such as potassium, sulfur, zinc, and sodium, compared to many common grasses. Research shows that deer grazing chicory can lead to higher live weight gains and increased antler mass.
Successful Establishment and Management of Chicory Plots
Establishing a successful chicory food plot requires attention to soil preparation and ongoing maintenance. Chicory is a perennial that can persist for several years, but it requires a well-prepared seedbed for initial establishment. Soil testing is important, as chicory performs best in soil with a pH maintained between 6.0 and 7.0.
Planting can be done in the spring or in the late summer or early fall, with fall planting often allowing for better root development before the plant is heavily grazed. The seeds are small and should be planted shallowly, ideally between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch deep, to ensure successful germination. After broadcasting the seed, lightly cultipacking or dragging the plot helps ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
To maximize the plot’s potential and prevent overgrazing, chicory is commonly planted in a mix with other forages, such as perennial clovers or cereal grains. Planting it alongside a legume like clover provides a natural source of nitrogen, which chicory requires for its high growth rate and protein production. Management involves periodic mowing during the summer to prevent the plant from flowering, a process known as “bolting,” which encourages it to put energy into leaf production rather than stem growth.