Deer are selective foragers classified as browsers, preferring the tender leaves, buds, and shoots of shrubs and trees over low-growing grasses. Their feeding habits are adaptable and opportunistic, constantly seeking the most nutritionally dense and easily accessible vegetation. While no single plant attracts all deer, certain categories consistently offer characteristics deer find irresistible, influencing their foraging decisions across various landscapes.
The Most Irresistible Plant Categories
Ornamental garden favorites often top the list of plants damaged by foraging deer. The lush foliage and tender new growth of hostas are highly sought after, offering a high-moisture meal. Deer also commonly browse daylilies, certain varieties of roses, and young tulip shoots, as these cultivated plants are generally less fibrous than wild alternatives. The high nitrogen content in fertilized garden soil contributes to the softness and richness of these plants, increasing their appeal. Hydrangeas, especially new buds and flowers appearing early in the season, are also appealing.
Produce from vegetable gardens and orchards provides concentrated energy and high sugar content, acting as a major draw. Deer readily consume soft, leafy greens such as lettuce and browse the developing pods of beans and peas. Sweet corn is a particularly irresistible target due to its high sugar content, offering a quick source of carbohydrates. Fallen fruits, including strawberries and apples, are attractive because their high carbohydrate content offers a quick energy boost.
Beyond garden plants, deer rely on woody browse, which consists of the twigs and leaves of shrubs and trees. Young, newly established deciduous shrubs and fruit tree saplings are especially vulnerable. Deer often target the terminal buds of certain maples and young cedar, as these provide concentrated nutrients. The attraction is related to the plant’s growth stage; young plants are softer and easier to digest than mature bark and branches. Woody browse with smooth, thin bark is generally consumed first.
Factors Driving Deer Preference
A plant’s physical and chemical composition determines its palatability. During dry periods, deer select plants with high moisture content to meet hydration needs. Succulent plants provide both nutrition and water, making them attractive when natural water sources are scarce. This preference explains why tender garden plants are often chosen over tougher native vegetation during droughts.
The nutritional value, particularly protein content, is another strong driver of selection. Deer, especially bucks developing antlers and does nursing fawns, require protein-rich diets for growth and metabolic function. They selectively browse plants offering a protein percentage above 15%, often ignoring lower-value forage. This need directs them toward the new growth and tender shoots of cultivated plants, which are often bred for rapid, nutrient-rich growth.
The texture and inherent defenses of a plant influence whether it is consumed. Deer prefer foliage that is soft, smooth, and easy to chew, passing over plants with rough, fuzzy, or spiny leaves and stems. Plants containing high levels of secondary metabolites, such as strong essential oils or bitter-tasting alkaloids, are naturally less attractive. These chemical defenses serve as a biological deterrent, causing deer to favor species with a milder taste profile. For example, deer generally avoid highly aromatic herbs like mint or lavender.
Seasonal Changes in Feeding Habits
The nutritional requirements of deer fluctuate throughout the year, impacting which plants they find most attractive. During spring and summer, the focus is on easily digestible, high-protein forage to support body growth, antler development, and lactation. Deer prioritize new growth and lush annuals that offer the highest amount of protein needed for these physiological processes.
As the year transitions into fall and winter, the foraging strategy shifts to accumulating energy reserves. Deer seek high-carbohydrate sources, such as acorns, hard mast, and remaining stored crops, to build the fat layer necessary for surviving cold weather. When deciduous food sources become scarce, the diet may transition to tougher evergreen browse. Though less nutritious, evergreen browse provides a consistent, high-fiber caloric intake.
Local Availability and Habitat Influence
The attraction of a specific plant is modified by the local environment. Deer are opportunistic feeders, and the availability of a plant often outweighs its palatability. A dense deer population in a confined habitat can quickly deplete preferred food sources, forcing them to consume plants they would normally avoid.
The physical location of a food source relative to a deer’s habitat also dictates its appeal, functioning as convenience. A garden situated along a known deer trail or near a dense bedding area is more attractive than one located in an open field. Proximity to protective cover minimizes the risk of predation, making nearby plants a high-value, low-effort meal.