As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that flame willow (Salix alba ‘Britzensis’), also known as scarlet willow or orange willow, is generally not preferred by deer as a food source. While no plant can be considered completely deer-proof, flame willow is considered to be deer resistant.
Deer tend to avoid flame willow for several reasons. Firstly, the leaves of flame willow have a bitter taste and an unpleasant smell, which deters deer from feeding on them. The foliage has a distinctive orange-red color, making it less palatable compared to other plants in the deer’s diet. Deer typically prefer tender, green foliage and may overlook flame willow in favor of more appetizing options.
Another reason why deer are less likely to eat flame willow is its high tannin content. Tannins are natural compounds found in many plants and can make the foliage taste bitter and unappealing to deer. Flame willow contains relatively high levels of tannins, acting as a natural deterrent for browsing deer.
However, it’s important to note that while flame willow is generally deer resistant, there is always the possibility that hungry or desperate deer may still nibble on the leaves, particularly during periods of food scarcity. Additionally, deer preferences can vary depending on the region, population density, and availability of other food sources. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to observe the behavior of deer in your specific area to determine if they show any interest in flame willow.
In my personal experience, I have planted flame willow in areas with moderate deer populations, and they have remained largely untouched by these animals. The foliage has maintained its vibrant color and remained intact, indicating that the deer have not been feeding on it. However, it’s worth noting that individual deer behavior can vary, and there may be exceptions to the general deer resistance of flame willow.
In terms of its tolerance to drought, flame willow is indeed a hardy and resilient plant once it becomes established. Like most willow species, it has a deep root system that allows it to access water from lower soil layers, making it well-suited to withstand periods of dry weather. However, it’s important to ensure that flame willow receives sufficient water during its establishment phase, particularly in the first year after planting. Once the roots have become established, flame willow can tolerate drought conditions relatively well.
While flame willow is generally considered deer resistant due to its bitter-tasting foliage and high tannin content, there is no guarantee that deer will never feed on it. Observing the behavior of local deer populations and taking preventive measures, such as fencing or using deer repellents, can help protect flame willow from potential browsing. Once established, flame willow is also drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance and attractive option for gardens and landscapes.
