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Yes, deer eat sunflowers. They’re indiscriminate, voracious eaters and sunflowers are nutritious and have plenty of bulk to help fill up a deer. While they’re pretty to look at, deer are a real pest if you’re growing sunflowers and many other edible and medicinal plants.
I grow sunflowers for their seeds and for their use as companion plants, so keeping deer away from them (and the many other plants in my garden) is a battle I’m all too familiar with. Let’s take a closer look at deer eating sunflowers, and things you can do to keep them away.
Do Deer Eat Sunflowers?
You bet they do! If you’ve ever spotted a deer around your sunflower patch and wondered whether they’re considering your sunflowers as an inviting buffet, the answer is a resounding yes. Deer love sunflowers and given the opportunity, they won’t hesitate to have a feast.
Deer are herbivores with a diet comprising a wide range of plant materials. They don’t really have favorite foods, but typically prefer tender, young plants and shoots in the spring, and as the summer moves in, their diet becomes more varied. This is when sunflowers, with their large, leafy stalks and vibrant, seed-filled heads, become incredibly attractive to these woodland creatures.
Sunflowers are easy to eat. Deer can reach them without much effort, and the plants are soft enough for them to chew comfortably.
And they’re nutritionally rich. They’re packed with protein and essential nutrients that are beneficial to deer. Also, sunflowers are large, and one plant can provide a substantial meal.
Plus, sunflowers are simply tasty. It’s not just the seeds that we humans find delicious. Deer love the entire plant – the seeds, the leaves, and the flowers. So, if you have deer in your vicinity and you’re growing sunflowers, these beautiful flowers could indeed become nature’s buffet for them.
What Part of Sunflowers Do Deer Eat?
Deers are not terribly discerning when it comes to food, and your entire sunflower garden makes an appealing meal for these beautiful garden pests.
Deer are fond of the sunflower’s large, green leaves. These leaves are often the first part of the plant that deer will sample. They provide a good source of nutrition and are easy for deer to eat, even when the plant is young.
While the thick, fibrous stems of sunflowers aren’t a deer’s first choice, they may still consume them, especially if food sources are scarce. The younger, more tender stems are more likely to be eaten than the older, woodier ones.
The actual flower head of the sunflower is another favorite of deer. These parts of the plant are tender and packed with nutrients. When the flowers are in full bloom, deer may be enticed by their vibrant color and consume the petals.
Deer also love the tender, immature flower buds of the sunflower. They are an easy target for deer, who often eat them just before they have a chance to bloom.
Do Deer Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Definitely! When it comes to sunflower seeds, deer are just as enamored with them as we are. These seeds are high-value snacks for deer, especially during the late summer and fall when sunflowers are in full bloom and the seeds are abundant.
Sunflower seeds are nutritional powerhouses. They’re chock full of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent energy source, especially for deer that need to store energy for the upcoming winter months. The seeds’ nutritional profile aligns perfectly with deer’s dietary needs, contributing to their overall health and vitality.
Sunflower seeds are also highly palatable. The seeds have a rich, nutty flavor and a pleasing texture that deer find irresistible. While we tend to think of sunflower seeds as bird food, it’s essential to remember that many other creatures, including deer, also find them delectable.
But how do deer eat these seeds? Mature sunflowers tend to droop as their seed-filled heads become heavier. This natural drooping brings the seeds within reach of deer. They can easily pluck out the seeds with their flexible tongues and munch away to their heart’s content.
Why Do Deer Eat Sunflower Plants?
Sunflowers aren’t just an aesthetic delight, brightening up gardens with their sunny presence. They’re also chock-full of nutrients for humans and wildlife.
Source of Protein
Sunflowers, particularly the seeds, are high in protein. Protein plays a pivotal role in the diet of deer. It’s critical for their growth and overall health, helping to build and repair body tissues and aiding in the production of antibodies that fight infections. During the periods of antler growth in bucks, protein is especially important.
Phosphorous
Sunflowers also contain phosphorus, an essential nutrient that aids in the development of deer bones and antlers. Phosphorus helps in energy production and storage and plays a significant role in the deer’s overall bone health.
Fiber
Sunflowers, like many plants, provide a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is vital for a deer’s digestive health, helping to maintain a healthy weight and improving overall health.
Availability and Palatability
Deer need to consume a certain amount of food each day to meet their nutritional needs. Eating sunflowers, which are abundant and nutrient-dense, helps them survive, particularly in periods of food scarcity. Plus, the broad leaves, seeds, and even the stems, have a flavor and texture that deer seem to enjoy.
Deer Resistant Varieties
If you’re a gardener who enjoys sunflowers and also happens to live in an area with a heavy deer population, you might be looking for sunflower varieties that are less attractive to these browsing animals. Fortunately, there are a few sunflower varieties that deer tend to find less appealing.
While no plant is completely deer-proof (after all, deer diets can vary and a hungry deer will eat almost any plant material), some sunflowers seem to be less on their menu. These sunflowers, often perennial varieties, can provide the sunflower aesthetic you love while being less likely to turn into deer food.
Are Perennial Sunflowers Deer Resistant?
Some perennial sunflowers are considered less palatable to deer. The two most common are ‘Lemon Queen’ and ‘Mammoth Grey Stripe.’
Lemon Queen‘ sunflowers are a beautiful variety with pale lemon-yellow petals and a dark center. They’re a hardy species that grows up to 6 feet tall and they’re less favored by deer due to their slightly rough leaves and stems. This doesn’t mean that deer will never eat them, but they’re less likely to be the first choice if other food sources are available.
Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflowers are another variety that deer seem to leave alone. These sunflowers are huge – growing up to 12 feet. And they have large, hairy, tough thick stems and rough leaves that deer aren’t as fond of as more tender varieties.
Do Sunflowers Attract Deer?
Think of it this way: sunflowers aren’t so much a deer magnet as they are a delightful surprise for a wandering deer. If a deer stumbles upon a garden or a field filled with sunflowers, it’s like stumbling upon an unexpected feast. And who could resist such a banquet?
Deer are naturally drawn to areas that offer plentiful and nutritious food, which is exactly what sunflowers provide. The seeds, in particular, are a favorite, offering a high-energy food source that’s particularly desirable in late summer and early fall when deer are preparing for the winter months.
Will Sunflowers Grow Back After Deer Eat Them?
If a deer has dined on your sunflower plant, you might be left wondering whether your garden will ever see those sunny blooms again. Unfortunately, the answer largely depends on the extent of the damage and the particular growth stage of the sunflower.
Sunflowers are annual plants, meaning they complete their entire lifecycle from seed to flower to seed within one growing season. Once they have matured and produced seeds, the plants die off and will not grow back.
If a deer eats the leaves and flowers of the sunflower but leaves the stalk and roots intact, there’s a chance the plant could produce new leaves. However, if it’s close to the time when the sunflower would normally produce its seeds, the plant may not have enough time or energy to do so.
When deer have completely consumed the plant, down to the stalk, the sunflower will not grow back. The plant’s energy reserves and growth nodes are located in its stalk and roots. If these are damaged or eaten, the plant no longer has the resources it needs to regrow.
Another important factor is timing. If it’s early in the growing season and a young sunflower plant gets nibbled down by deer, it may have a fighting chance to regrow from the base, given that the roots are still intact and healthy. But, it’s crucial to protect it from further deer damage.
Signs to Tell if Deer Are Eating Sunflowers
If your sunflowers are looking a little worse for wear and you suspect deer are the culprits, there are several telltale signs you can look for. Deer, like any animal, leave a specific pattern of destruction in their wake, and understanding these signs can help confirm your suspicions.
1. Ripped, Torn Leaves
Deer lack upper front teeth, so when a deer bites, it tears the plants rather than biting them off cleanly. This often results in a jagged or ripped appearance on the stems and leaves. If your sunflowers show signs of being ripped or torn, particularly near the top of the plant, this is a strong sign of deer damage.
2. Damaged Leaves But Intact Stems
Similarly, you might notice that the leaves of your sunflowers have been eaten while the stems are left untouched. Deer are fond of sunflower leaves and can strip them away, leaving behind bare stems.
3. Hoofprints
Deer hoofprints are another clear sign of their presence. Deer hooves are cloven, meaning they leave a distinctive split-hoof print in soft soil or mud. If you see distinct deer footprints around your garden or near your sunflowers, it’s likely that deer have been visiting.
4. Missing Sunflower Buds
Sunflower buds are a delicacy to deer. The buds are tender and full of nutrients, making them a prime target. If you notice that your sunflower buds are disappearing before they have a chance to open and bloom, it’s very likely to be deer.
5. Deer Poop
Deer scat, or deer droppings, are a clear sign of deer activity in your garden. Their poop is typically oval-shaped and may be clumped together in piles. If you find droppings near your sunflowers or elsewhere in your garden, deer are almost certainly the cause.
Beware: one of my dogs loves nothing better than rolling herself in fresh deer scat! So it’s all a bit stinky in my house if we’ve had deer in the garden.
6. Trampled Plants
Deer aren’t known for their gracefulness when moving through gardens. If you see that other plants near your sunflowers have been trampled or flattened, it could be a sign that deer have been meandering through in search of a meal.
How to Keep Deer From Eating Sunflowers
Now that we know deer are sunflower connoisseurs, how do we protect our beautiful blooms?
1. Secure Fences
Arguably one of the most effective ways to keep deer away from your sunflowers is by installing a high, sturdy fence around your garden. Deer are impressive jumpers, so your fence should ideally be around 8 feet tall to prevent them from hopping over. If that’s not possible, consider an angled or double-layered fence, which can confuse and deter deer.
2. Grow Deer Repellent Plants
Another strategy is to plant deer-repellent plants around your sunflowers. Deer are known to dislike strongly aromatic plants, like lavender, marigold, and garlic. These plants can serve as a living barrier, and they’ll also contribute to the diversity and beauty of your garden.
3. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
If deer are frequent visitors to your garden, consider installing motion-activated sprinklers. These devices will spray a burst of water when they detect movement, which can startle deer and discourage them from returning.
4. Strong Scent Repellents
Scent-based repellents, either commercially available or homemade, can be effective at deterring deer. These might include things like predator urine, blood meal, or even certain soaps. Remember, though, that these need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain.
5. Hedges
Consider planting dense, thorny hedges around your sunflowers. Deer will generally avoid pushing through prickly barriers, and the hedges can also enhance the look of your garden.
FAQs
Certain plants are known to repel deer and can be a great addition to your garden for both their beauty and their defensive capabilities. Deer generally avoid strong-smelling plants, as they interfere with their ability to smell predators. Aromatic plants like garlic, chives, lavender, mint, and rosemary are less appealing to deer and can help deter them. Some plants with bitter or spicy tastes, such as onions or hot peppers, can also discourage deer from nibbling.
There are numerous commercial sprays available that can deter deer. Most of these use smells that deer find unpleasant or associate with predators. A popular choice is sprays containing putrescent egg, which mimics the smell of a decaying animal. I spend a lot of time outside, so this isn’t something I personally want to use.
Plus, I only use natural products and things that also benefit my growing space, so I tend to go the homemade route.
Homemade sprays can also be effective. A simple solution of water with crushed garlic, hot pepper, or a strong-smelling soap can be sprayed around your plants to keep deer at bay. Remember, however, that these sprays need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain.
While deer are certainly prominent sunflower snackers, they aren’t the only creatures that enjoy these plants. Sunflowers are a favorite of many birds, particularly finches and cardinals, who will happily eat the seeds. Squirrels and chipmunks are also fans of sunflower seeds, while rabbits may nibble on the tender shoots and leaves of young sunflower plants. As with deer, there are various methods available to deter these creatures if they become a nuisance.
While deer are fairly adaptable eaters, there are some flowers that they typically avoid. Daffodils, for example, contain alkaloids that are toxic to deer, making them a safe choice for a deer-prone garden. Foxgloves and poppies are also less appealing to deer, due to their bitter taste.
But do remember that daffodils and foxgloves are both toxic to dogs and cats, so if you have pets, please be mindful of what you’re planting.
Other deer-resistant flowers include marigolds, snapdragons, and certain varieties of salvia. However, it’s important to note that “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof”—a particularly hungry deer may still decide to sample these less desirable plants.