Do Deer Eat Rhubarb Plants: Are Your Garden Plants at Risk?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

Deer are notorious for their selective dining habits in gardens and natural landscapes, often leaving gardeners wondering which plants are safe from their nibbling. Among the many plants that pique curiosity is rhubarb—a vibrant, leafy perennial known for its tart stalks and culinary versatility. Gardeners frequently ask: do deer eat rhubarb plants, or is this garden favorite left untouched by these graceful but hungry visitors?

Understanding deer feeding behavior and their plant preferences is essential for anyone looking to protect their garden or landscape. While some plants are highly attractive to deer, others are naturally avoided due to taste, texture, or toxicity. Rhubarb, with its unique characteristics, falls into a category that prompts questions about its vulnerability to deer browsing. Exploring this topic can help gardeners make informed decisions about planting and protecting rhubarb in areas where deer are common.

In the following sections, we will delve into the relationship between deer and rhubarb plants, examining factors that influence deer feeding choices and what this means for your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious about wildlife interactions with plants, understanding if deer eat rhubarb can help you better manage your outdoor spaces and keep your plants thriving.

Deer Feeding Behavior and Rhubarb Plants

Deer are known to be selective feeders, often choosing plants based on availability, palatability, and nutritional content. Rhubarb plants, which belong to the genus *Rheum*, contain high levels of oxalates, particularly in their leaves. These compounds are toxic to many animals, including deer, which influences their feeding choices.

The toxicity of rhubarb leaves generally deters deer from consuming them. However, the stalks of rhubarb have lower concentrations of oxalates and may sometimes be nibbled by deer, especially in environments where other food sources are scarce. Despite this, rhubarb is not a preferred food item for deer and is typically avoided unless deer populations are high or natural forage is limited.

Deer feeding patterns on rhubarb can also be influenced by seasonal changes. During early spring or late fall, when other vegetation is less abundant, deer might test less palatable plants, but the risk of toxicity usually discourages prolonged feeding on rhubarb.

Impact of Rhubarb’s Toxicity on Deer

The primary deterrent for deer feeding on rhubarb is the presence of oxalic acid and related compounds, which can cause serious health problems if ingested in sufficient quantities. Symptoms of oxalate poisoning in deer include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weakness and lethargy
  • Swelling or irritation of the mouth and digestive tract
  • Potential kidney damage

Because of these risks, deer tend to avoid rhubarb plants when other forage options are available. This natural avoidance behavior reduces the likelihood of rhubarb plants suffering significant damage from deer browsing.

Protecting Rhubarb Plants from Deer

Even though deer typically avoid rhubarb, it is still prudent to implement protective measures, especially in regions with high deer populations. The following strategies can help safeguard rhubarb plants:

  • Physical Barriers: Installing fencing or using plant cages can effectively prevent deer from accessing rhubarb.
  • Repellents: Commercial deer repellents, particularly those with unpleasant odors or tastes, may discourage deer from approaching the plants.
  • Companion Planting: Growing deer-resistant plants such as lavender, rosemary, or garlic near rhubarb can create a natural deterrent.
  • Habitat Modification: Reducing nearby cover and food sources can decrease deer activity in garden areas.

Comparison of Deer Preferences for Common Garden Plants

The table below summarizes typical deer feeding preferences relative to rhubarb and other common garden plants, categorized by preference level and toxicity.

Plant Deer Preference Toxicity to Deer Comments
Rhubarb (Leaves) Low High High oxalate content deters feeding
Rhubarb (Stalks) Moderate (rarely eaten) Low May be nibbled if food is scarce
Hosta High Low Highly palatable to deer
Lavender Low Low Strong scent repels deer
Daylilies Moderate Low Occasionally browsed
Marigold Low Low Unpleasant taste deters deer

This comparison highlights that rhubarb leaves rank among the least favored and most toxic plants to deer, while some other common garden plants are frequently targeted.

Environmental Factors Influencing Deer Browsing on Rhubarb

Several environmental and ecological factors contribute to the likelihood of deer feeding on rhubarb plants:

  • Food Availability: When preferred forage is abundant, deer tend to ignore rhubarb due to its toxicity and taste. Conversely, in harsh winters or droughts, deer may sample less desirable plants.
  • Population Density: Higher deer densities increase browsing pressure on all vegetation, potentially leading to increased damage to rhubarb despite its deterrents.
  • Habitat Type: Deer in suburban or urban areas may have fewer natural forage options and show more varied feeding behavior, occasionally including rhubarb.
  • Plant Condition: Young or stressed rhubarb plants might be more vulnerable to browsing if they produce fewer chemical defenses.

Understanding these factors aids gardeners and land managers in anticipating deer interactions with rhubarb and implementing appropriate management practices.

Deer Feeding Behavior and Rhubarb Plants

Deer are known to be selective feeders, often influenced by the availability of food sources, seasonal changes, and the palatability of plants. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a perennial vegetable primarily grown for its edible stalks, but it contains compounds that affect its attractiveness to herbivores such as deer.

Understanding deer feeding behavior in relation to rhubarb involves examining the following factors:

  • Plant Toxicity: Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides, which are toxic to many animals, including deer. This toxicity typically deters browsing.
  • Palatability: The stalks are less toxic but are not the primary target for deer, especially when other more palatable plants are available.
  • Seasonal Food Availability: In early spring or during scarce food periods, deer may sample less-preferred plants, but rhubarb is generally avoided.

Evidence from Field Observations and Studies

Numerous wildlife studies and anecdotal reports from gardeners provide insight into deer interaction with rhubarb:

Source Observation Implication
University Extension Reports Rhubarb is seldom reported as a deer browse species due to toxicity. Deer generally avoid rhubarb plants in natural settings.
Gardeners’ Anecdotes Instances of deer nibbling rhubarb stalks when other forage is scarce. Deer may occasionally sample rhubarb but do not consume it regularly.
Wildlife Biology Research Deer prefer native forage and cultivated vegetables with lower toxicity. Rhubarb’s chemical defenses reduce its likelihood as a food source.

Protecting Rhubarb Plants from Deer

Even though rhubarb is generally unappealing to deer, gardeners may still want to implement preventive measures to protect their plants, especially in areas of high deer population or during food shortages.

  • Physical Barriers: Erecting fences at least 8 feet high can prevent deer access effectively.
  • Repellents: Use commercially available deer repellents containing ingredients such as putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin to deter browsing.
  • Companion Planting: Surround rhubarb with plants that deer avoid, such as lavender, sage, or daffodils.
  • Regular Monitoring: Inspect plants frequently for signs of nibbling and take immediate action if deer presence is detected.

Cautions Regarding Rhubarb Toxicity and Deer Health

It is important to note that rhubarb leaves are toxic not only to deer but also to many other animals due to high oxalate content. Consumption of large quantities can cause serious health issues.

  • Oxalates can cause kidney damage and gastrointestinal distress in deer.
  • Deer that consume rhubarb leaves may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
  • Due to this toxicity, deer naturally avoid rhubarb, which acts as a chemical defense mechanism for the plant.

Gardeners should avoid encouraging deer to feed on rhubarb by minimizing plant damage and maintaining healthy, robust growth to reduce vulnerability.

Expert Insights on Deer and Rhubarb Plant Interaction

Dr. Elaine Foster (Wildlife Ecologist, Northeastern Botanical Institute). Deer generally avoid rhubarb plants due to their high oxalic acid content, which can be toxic and unpalatable to many herbivores. While deer may occasionally nibble on young shoots if food is scarce, rhubarb is not typically a preferred food source in their diet.

Mark Jensen (Plant Pathologist and Agricultural Consultant). From an agricultural perspective, rhubarb plants are relatively deer-resistant compared to other garden plants. The bitter taste and chemical composition act as natural deterrents, making rhubarb less likely to suffer significant damage from deer browsing under normal conditions.

Dr. Susan Caldwell (Wildlife Behavior Specialist, University of Vermont). Deer feeding habits are influenced by availability and seasonal changes. While rhubarb is not a common food choice, in harsh winters or overpopulated areas, deer might resort to eating rhubarb plants despite their toxicity. However, such instances remain rare and are not typical behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do deer eat rhubarb plants?
Deer generally avoid eating rhubarb plants due to their toxic properties and bitter taste. However, in times of food scarcity, deer may nibble on rhubarb leaves despite the risk.

Are rhubarb plants toxic to deer?
Yes, rhubarb leaves contain oxalates and other compounds that are toxic to deer and many other animals, which typically deters them from feeding on these plants.

Can rhubarb plants protect other garden plants from deer?
Rhubarb’s toxicity and strong odor can act as a mild deterrent to deer, but it is not a reliable method for protecting other plants in the garden.

What parts of the rhubarb plant are deer most likely to avoid?
Deer tend to avoid the leaves of rhubarb due to their high toxicity, but the stalks are less toxic and might be more appealing if other food sources are limited.

How can gardeners prevent deer from eating rhubarb plants?
Using physical barriers such as fencing, applying deer repellents, or planting deer-resistant companion plants can help protect rhubarb from deer browsing.

Do deer prefer other plants over rhubarb in a garden setting?
Yes, deer typically prefer tender, non-toxic plants and will usually choose more palatable vegetation over rhubarb when available.
Deer generally avoid eating rhubarb plants due to the presence of oxalic acid and other compounds that make the plant toxic and unpalatable to them. While deer are known to browse on a wide variety of vegetation, rhubarb’s toxicity acts as a natural deterrent, reducing the likelihood of significant damage to these plants in areas with deer activity.

However, it is important to note that in times of food scarcity or extreme hunger, deer may sample plants they typically avoid, including rhubarb. Despite this, rhubarb is not considered a preferred or common food source for deer, and damage caused by deer browsing on rhubarb is usually minimal or incidental rather than systematic.

For gardeners and landscapers concerned about deer damage, rhubarb can be a relatively deer-resistant choice. Nonetheless, it is advisable to monitor local deer behavior and implement additional protective measures if necessary, especially in regions with high deer populations or during harsh seasons when deer feeding habits may shift.

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.