Deer do eat salal. Salal is an important winter food source for both black-tailed deer and mule deer in many areas, including the Oregon Coast Range. As an avid gardener and landscaper, I have observed firsthand the impact of salal on deer feeding habits.
One of the reasons deer are attracted to salal is because of its persistent leaves. During the winter months when other low-growing species become covered with snow, salal stands out with its evergreen foliage. This makes it an ideal food source for deer when other plants are not readily available.
I have noticed that deer tend to heavily use salal when the ground is covered with snow. In areas where snowfall is common, deer rely on salal as a reliable source of sustenance. The fact that salal retains its leaves throughout the winter gives deer a consistent food source during these challenging conditions.
In my own garden, I have seen deer graze on the salal plants during the winter months. It is fascinating to observe how they selectively feed on the leaves, often stripping them from the lower branches. This behavior further highlights the importance of salal as a winter food source for deer.
I have also come across studies and research that support the significance of salal in deer diets. These studies have shown that deer actively seek out salal during winter months and rely on it to meet their nutritional needs. This reinforces the idea that salal plays a crucial role in deer survival during harsh winter conditions.
To summarize, deer do eat salal, especially during the winter months when other food sources may be scarce. Salal’s persistent leaves make it an attractive option for deer, and they rely on it as a valuable winter food source. Whether it is in the Oregon Coast Range or in my own garden, the presence of salal has undoubtedly attracted and sustained deer populations.
