Best Deer-Attracting Plants for Woodland Gardens

Attracting deer to your wooded property can be a rewarding experience, offering opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and even hunting. Planting the right species of trees, shrubs, and forbs can significantly enhance your chances of attracting these majestic creatures. Let's delve into the world of deer-friendly plants and explore what to plant in woods for deer.

Deer are browsers, meaning they prefer to feed on the leaves, twigs, and buds of woody plants. They also consume forbs, which are broad-leaved herbs and flowers. When selecting plants, consider deer's nutritional needs, browsing habits, and local availability. Remember, deer have unique preferences, and what attracts them in one region might not work as well in another.

Browse-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs

Deer tend to favor trees and shrubs with high nutritional value and palatability. However, they also prefer plants that are browse-tolerant, meaning they can withstand repeated feeding. Here are some tree and shrub species that deer typically find appealing and can tolerate browsing:

Trees

Deer commonly browse on the following tree species, often preferring the tender growth of young trees and saplings:

• Oaks (Quercus spp.): Acorns are a significant food source, and deer will also feed on the leaves and twigs.
• Crabapples (Malus spp.): Both the fruit and foliage are attractive to deer.
• Apples (Malus domestica): Deer will feed on the fruit, leaves, and twigs.
• Willows (Salix spp.): Deer browse on the twigs and leaves, and willows can tolerate heavy browsing.

Shrubs

Deer often prefer the following shrubs, which can also tolerate browsing:

• Roses (Rosa spp.): Many rose species have browse-tolerant foliage, and deer will feed on the hips and canes.
• Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.): Deer browse on the leaves, twigs, and berries of hawthorns.
• Serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.): Both the fruit and foliage are attractive to deer.

Forbs and Flowers

Deer also consume forbs and flowers, which provide essential nutrients and can be particularly important in spring and summer when browse is less available. Incorporating these plants into your wooded area can help attract deer and provide them with a diverse diet:

Clovers

Deer favor clovers due to their high protein content. Planting clovers in your woods can help attract deer and improve soil health:

• White clover (Trifolium repens): This legume is highly palatable to deer and can tolerate partial shade.
• Red clover (Trifolium pratense): Deer will feed on both the leaves and flowers of red clover.

Wildflowers and Grasses

Incorporating native wildflowers and grasses into your wooded area can provide deer with additional food sources and create habitat for insects and other wildlife:

• Partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata): This legume produces edible seeds and is attractive to deer.
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Deer will feed on the seeds and leaves of this native wildflower.
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): This native grass provides cover and food for deer, and its seeds are an important food source in late summer and fall.

When planting for deer, consider creating small openings or clearings within your wooded area to encourage plant growth and provide space for deer to feed and loiter. Additionally, maintaining a diverse mix of plant species will offer deer a varied diet and help support a healthy population. By understanding deer's browsing habits and nutritional needs, you can create an inviting habitat that attracts these captivating creatures to your woods.