Rosemary is a popular herb known for its distinctive fragrance and culinary uses. While its strong aromatic oils often deter many garden pests, some animals do consume rosemary plants. Knowing which animals are attracted to this herb helps gardeners protect their plants effectively.
Animals That Eat Rosemary
Despite its potent scent, several animal species are known to eat rosemary. Deer browse on rosemary, especially new growth and tender shoots, leaving ragged edges on stems and leaves. Rabbits often target the lower parts of the plant, gnawing on stems close to the ground and sometimes consuming entire young plants. Voles, small rodents, can cause significant damage by tunneling underground and feeding on the roots of rosemary plants, leading to wilting and plant death.
Certain insects also feed on rosemary, though less directly than larger animals. Aphids may cluster on new growth, sucking sap and causing leaves to curl or distort. Spider mites can create fine webbing on the plant, leading to stippled, discolored foliage. These insects, while not consuming large portions like mammals, can still weaken the rosemary and impact its vigor.
Why Animals Might Eat Rosemary
Animals may consume rosemary due to a lack of more palatable food options, especially during periods of drought or winter when natural forage is limited. A hungry animal, like a deer, may disregard the strong aroma if it is the only readily available vegetation. Young or newly planted rosemary is also more vulnerable, as its essential oil concentration may be less developed, making it less deterrent.
Curiosity can also lead animals to sample rosemary, especially when exploring new food sources. Accidental consumption can also occur when animals graze broadly. While generally resistant to many herbivores, the plant’s defensive compounds are not absolute barriers when an animal is sufficiently motivated by hunger or environmental pressures.
Is Rosemary Safe for Animals to Consume?
Rosemary is generally non-toxic to most animals in small quantities. For common garden visitors like deer and rabbits, incidental grazing is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, consuming large amounts of rosemary can lead to digestive upset in some animals, including pets and livestock. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
For domestic animals like dogs or cats, large ingestions could lead to more pronounced gastrointestinal irritation. If a pet or livestock animal has consumed a significant quantity and exhibits adverse symptoms, consulting a veterinarian is advisable. The plant’s compounds are generally not acutely poisonous but can cause discomfort.
Protecting Your Rosemary from Animals
Physical barriers reliably protect rosemary plants from larger animals. Fencing can deter deer (at least 7-8 feet high) and rabbits (shorter, buried fence to prevent burrowing). Netting or cages can also be placed directly over individual plants for protection.
Animal repellents are also effective, especially those using scent or taste to deter animals without causing harm. These products often contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin, which make the plant unappealing. Reapplication according to product instructions, especially after rain, is important. Strategic planting, like placing rosemary close to the house or in areas with high human activity, can also discourage some animals.