Deerberry , also known as Vaccinium stamineum , is a native shrub that produces modest , edible berry . One common question that gardeners and landscapist have is whether deer will eat deerberry . Based on my experience and knowledge , I can say that cervid do indeed eat on deerberry , along with other fauna such as birds and small mammal .
Deer are known to be opportunistic self-feeder , and they will often waste a wide variety of industrial plant , include shrub and tree diagram . While Vaccinium stamineum may not be at the top of their favored food listing , they will still nibble on the Chuck Berry if given the opportunity . This is peculiarly rightful when other food for thought sources are scarce , such as during the wintertime calendar month .
In my own garden , I have witness deer skimming on the squaw huckleberry bush . I ab initio planted them as part of a native flora garden , thinking they would be safe from deer browse . However , to my surprise , the deer plant them and began to fee on the berries . This chair me to take additional measurement to protect the shrub , such as instal fence or using deer repellent .
It is worth noting that deer may prefer other solid food sources over deerberry if they are available . This could include more palatable plants or crop . However , in areas where deer universe are eminent or food sources are special , squaw huckleberry can become a object for browsing .
If you want to contain deerberry into your landscape but are concerned about deer damage , there are a few strategies you’re able to seek . One choice is to imbed deer - tolerant species alongside the deerberry . This can aid to divert the deer ’s care forth from the Vaccinium stamineum and towards other plants that they encounter less appealing .
Another feeler is to utilise fencing or other strong-arm roadblock to protect the deerberry shrub . This can be especially effective if the deer pressure is high in your surface area . However , it is significant to ensure that the fence is marvelous enough and inflexible , as cervid can be quite persistent in their pursuance for food .
finally , you could consider using cervid repellents to deter deer from feeding on the squaw huckleberry . There are various commercial repellents available that can be apply to the shrubs . These repellents typically contain factor that have an unpleasant taste or odour to deer , deterring them from feeding .
While deerberry is not at the top of a deer ’s pet food list , they will still deplete the Chuck Berry if given the opportunity . If you want to incorporate deerberry into your landscape , it is important to be aware of the potential for deer browsing and take appropriate measures to protect the shrub , such as plant cervid - immune species , using fencing , or apply cervid repellent .
Caroline Bates
