Sedum plants, often called stonecrop, are popular among gardeners for their ability to thrive in various conditions and their attractive, succulent foliage. These hardy perennials store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, contributing to their drought tolerance. Despite their resilience, sedums can attract certain animals seeking food or moisture, requiring protective measures.
Animals Known to Eat Sedum
Several animals feed on sedum, often drawn by its succulent nature. Deer, for instance, may browse on sedum, especially during dry periods or when other food sources are scarce. While not their primary food choice, deer are opportunistic and will consume it if preferred options are limited.
Rabbits also commonly eat sedum, particularly the tender new growth. Like deer, rabbits eat a wide variety of plants, and sedum can become a target when other food is less abundant. Slugs and snails are frequent garden visitors that feed on sedum leaves. They are attracted to the plant’s succulent foliage, which provides both food and moisture.
Rodents such as voles, mice, and groundhogs can cause damage by eating the roots or young plants, especially those close to the ground. Voles can be particularly destructive underground, sometimes pulling entire plants into their burrows. Squirrels and chipmunks may nibble on sedum leaves, especially during hot, dry conditions when they seek moisture. Some bird species, such as finches, have also been observed eating sedum leaves.
Signs of Damage and Identifying the Culprit
Observing the specific type of damage on your sedum plants helps identify the animal responsible. Deer leave ragged tears on leaves and stems, often on higher parts of the plant, as they pull and rip foliage rather than making clean cuts. The presence of deer droppings nearby can further confirm their activity.
In contrast, rabbits make clean, angled cuts on stems and leaves, usually close to the ground, reflecting their sharp incisors. Small, round droppings are also a telltale sign of rabbit presence. If you notice irregular holes in leaves, often accompanied by shiny, silvery trails, slugs and snails are the likely culprits. These trails are dried mucus left behind as they move.
Damage from voles, mice, or groundhogs often appears as plants being pulled into the ground or gnawing marks at the base of stems. Tunnels or burrows near the affected plants are strong indicators of these subterranean pests. For squirrels and chipmunks, disturbed soil around the plant or nibbled leaf edges can indicate their involvement. If birds are the problem, you might see small nips or stripped leaves, especially on the more succulent parts of the plant.
Protecting Your Sedum Plants
Protecting sedum plants from animal damage involves a combination of strategies. Installing physical barriers can be highly effective; fencing, for instance, can deter larger animals like deer if it is tall enough, generally at least five feet. For smaller animals like rabbits, a shorter fence with fine mesh can be used, potentially extending below ground to deter burrowing creatures. Individual plants can also be protected with netting or cages.
Applying repellents can also discourage animals from feeding on sedum. Commercial sprays are available that use scents or tastes animals find unpleasant, and some gardeners use homemade solutions containing ingredients like garlic or hot pepper. The effectiveness of repellents can vary, and they often require reapplication, especially after rain.
Modifying the habitat around your sedum can make the area less appealing to pests. This includes removing potential hiding spots, such as dense weeds or debris, and keeping the garden tidy. Overhanging branches that provide easy access to plants can also be trimmed. Companion planting with less palatable plants, such as strong-smelling herbs like lavender or rosemary, can offer some deterrence. Regular monitoring of your sedum plants for early signs of damage allows for timely intervention, which can prevent more extensive harm.