Deerberry, also known as Vaccinium stamineum, is a native shrub that produces small, edible berries. One common question that gardeners and landscapers have is whether deer will eat deerberry. Based on my experience and knowledge, I can say that deer do indeed eat deerberry, along with other animals such as birds and small mammals.
Deer are known to be opportunistic feeders, and they will often consume a wide variety of plants, including shrubs and trees. While deerberry may not be at the top of their preferred food list, they will still nibble on the berries if given the opportunity. This is especially true when other food sources are scarce, such as during the winter months.
In my own garden, I have witnessed deer grazing on the deerberry shrubs. I initially planted them as part of a native plant garden, thinking they would be safe from deer browsing. However, to my surprise, the deer found them and began to feed on the berries. This led me to take additional measures to protect the shrubs, such as installing fencing or using deer repellents.
It is worth noting that deer may prefer other food sources over deerberry if they are available. This could include more palatable plants or crops. However, in areas where deer populations are high or food sources are limited, deerberry can become a target for browsing.
If you want to incorporate deerberry into your landscape but are concerned about deer damage, there are a few strategies you can try. One option is to plant deer-resistant species alongside the deerberry. This can help to divert the deer’s attention away from the deerberry and towards other plants that they find less appealing.
Another approach is to use fencing or other physical barriers to protect the deerberry shrubs. This can be especially effective if the deer pressure is high in your area. However, it is important to ensure that the fencing is tall enough and sturdy, as deer can be quite persistent in their quest for food.
Lastly, you could consider using deer repellents to deter deer from feeding on the deerberry. There are various commercial repellents available that can be applied to the shrubs. These repellents typically contain ingredients that have an unpleasant taste or odor to deer, deterring them from feeding.
While deerberry is not at the top of a deer’s preferred food list, they will still eat the berries 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 shrubs, such as planting deer-resistant species, using fencing, or applying deer repellents.
