Hedge apples, formally known as Osage oranges (Maclura pomifera), are a common sight in many landscapes, often sparking curiosity with their distinctive, brain-like appearance. A common question is whether deer eat these unusual fruits. However, deer generally do not consider them a primary food source. This article explores the relationship between deer and hedge apples.
Deer and Hedge Apples: The Truth
Deer generally do not eat hedge apples as a preferred food source, despite being opportunistic feeders. While occasional consumption occurs, especially during extreme food scarcity, it is not typical. Deer might investigate or mouth the fruits, but rarely consume them.
Observations from wildlife experts and hunters indicate that hedge apples are considered a “last resort” food for deer. If other, more palatable food sources like acorns or leafy browse are abundant, deer will bypass hedge apples. In late winter, when natural forage is scarce, deer, particularly mature bucks, might be more inclined to stomp on the fruits to break them open and access the inner pulp and seeds. However, even then, the nutritional benefit they offer is minimal compared to other available forage.
Reasons Deer Avoid Hedge Apples
Several characteristics make hedge apples unappealing or difficult for deer to consume. The fruit is large, hard, and fibrous, making it challenging for deer to bite into and digest effectively. Its tough rind requires significant effort to break open, often necessitating deer to stomp on them.
Hedge apples also contain a sticky, milky latex sap that can be irritating. This sap contributes to its unpalatability. Furthermore, the fruit contains chemical compounds like osajin and pomiferin, which are isoflavones. Their presence contributes to the fruit’s bitter taste and can be irritating, deterring deer from consumption.
Hedge Apples Beyond Deer Consumption
While deer largely avoid consuming hedge apples, these unique fruits and the trees that produce them have other roles. Historically, Osage orange trees were widely planted to create natural fences or hedgerows due to their dense, thorny branches, earning them the name “hedge tree”. This practice was common before the advent of barbed wire, providing an impenetrable barrier for livestock.
The wood of the Osage orange tree is highly valued for its exceptional hardness, durability, and resistance to rot. Native Americans traditionally used the wood for making bows, leading to its French name “bois d’arc,” meaning “wood of the bow.” Beyond historical uses, the trees offer habitat and cover for various small mammals and birds. Although generally unpalatable to most wildlife, fox squirrels are a notable exception; they readily shred the fruit to access and consume the seeds.