Deer are known to be herbivorous animals that primarily feed on plants. They have a varied diet and can adapt to different food sources depending on availability. While deer may prefer certain plants like hostas and daylilies, they can also be attracted to sedum if there is a scarcity of other food options.
One of the main reasons why deer might be eating your sedum is simply because there is a lack of alternative food sources during the winter months. As the colder weather sets in and natural vegetation becomes scarce, deer are forced to forage for any available food. In such situations, they may resort to consuming plants that they would not typically prefer, including sedum.
Although sedum is not their first choice, deer may still nibble on it if they are hungry enough. Sedum is a hardy plant that continues to grow until winter, making it one of the few green options available when other plants have withered away. Its succulent foliage can be enticing to deer seeking nourishment.
It’s important to note that deer are more likely to eat sedum if there are no other attractive food sources nearby. For example, if you have well-fertilized plants or lush gardens that provide more nutritious options, deer will typically prioritize those over sedum. However, if there is a lack of well-fertilized plants or if your garden has been depleted, they may turn to sedum as a last resort.
Additionally, the taste and preference of deer can vary from one region to another, as well as from one individual to another. Some deer may have developed a taste for sedum due to previous experiences or local conditions. They might have found it to be a relatively palatable option compared to other available plants.
To deter deer from eating your sedum, you can try implementing certain strategies. Installing physical barriers such as fences or deer netting can prevent them from accessing your plants. Using deer repellents or deterrents can also be effective, as they can make the sedum less appealing or create an unpleasant taste or smell for the deer.
While deer generally prefer to eat plants like hostas and daylilies, they may resort to eating sedum if there is a scarcity of other food sources. Sedum becomes more attractive to deer during winter when other vegetation becomes limited. By understanding the reasons behind deer feeding habits and implementing appropriate deterrents, you can help protect your sedum from being eaten by these hungry herbivores.