Marigolds are popular garden plants. Gardeners and pet owners often wonder which animals consume them and if they pose health risks. This information helps in garden planning and pet safety.
Animals That Consume Marigolds
Marigolds, despite their strong aroma, can be a food source for various animals. Small garden pests like slugs and snails often leave large holes in leaves, sometimes devouring young plants. These nocturnal feeders leave behind tell-tale slime trails. Spider mites and grasshoppers also feed on marigold foliage, with spider mites sucking cell content and grasshoppers chewing through leaves, buds, and stems.
Certain caterpillars are attracted to marigolds, and their feeding can lead to browning of flowers. Rabbits are known to nibble on marigolds, particularly the flowers, especially when other more preferred food sources are scarce. Squirrels have also been observed eating marigold flowers and even parts of the plant itself.
Animals That Typically Avoid Marigolds
Many animals are deterred by marigolds’ strong scent and bitter taste. Deer, for instance, tend to avoid marigolds because of their pungent odor and unappealing flavor. The compounds within the flowers, such as terpenes and thiophenes, contribute to this natural deterrent effect.
Rabbits, while sometimes eating marigolds out of necessity, typically do not prefer them as a primary food source. Marigolds are also known to deter certain insect pests, including specific types of nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies, through the release of volatile organic compounds.
Are Marigolds Toxic?
Common garden marigolds (Tagetes species) are generally considered to have low toxicity for pets like dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling.
Contact with the sap of Tagetes marigolds can also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some animals and humans, especially with sun exposure. This is attributed to compounds like thiophenes and pyrethrins. While symptoms are usually mild and temporary, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian if a pet consumes a significant amount or displays severe or persistent symptoms.
It is important to differentiate common garden marigolds from marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris). Marsh marigolds are a different plant entirely and contain protoanemonin, which is considered poisonous to livestock and humans. Ingesting marsh marigolds can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, and skin contact can lead to blisters and burns.
Strategies to Protect Your Marigolds
Protecting marigolds involves several approaches. Physical barriers are effective, such as using fencing or netting to exclude larger animals like rabbits or deer. For smaller pests, placing plastic forks or other deterrents around the base of the plants can create a barrier.
Gardeners can also employ cultural practices to minimize pest issues. Encouraging natural predators, such as ladybugs for aphids, can help manage insect populations that feed on marigolds. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of damage and promptly addressing any infestations can prevent widespread harm.