Deer are moody animals, and their eating habits change occasionally. When the food is abundant, it will only eat a selected one of its favorite items. Contrarily, when food becomes scarce, it will do anything that comes its way. Therefore, the question arises, do deer eat ferns?
The simple answer is no, although deer have become the number one suspect when eating plants. However, they do not like to eat ferns. But as we have discussed, there are situations where deer will eat fern as well.
Likewise, there are numerous types of ferns, which are deer resistant. Therefore, there are ferns that are likely to stay unbeaten in a deer-abundant area. So, read along as we are doing to discuss in detail about deer and ferns.
Are Ferns Deer Resistant?
Ferns are beautiful! And they become one of the best ornamental plants to vibrate your garden or landscape. Since it is a shade-loving plant, it can turn into a hiding place for frogs and turtles. However, if you are living in an area where deer are present, there are chances that it will feed on your ferns.
However, most ferns are deer resistant. Since the plant produces a toxin in its bitter leaves that a deer will not want to swallow. Therefore, ferns are not on a deer’s menu.
Deer Usually Leave Ferns Alone (But Here’s When They Don’t!)
Ferns are deer-resistant, but there are certain situations where they will not shy away from eating ferns. Here are the key reasons that force deer to munch on your ferns.
Harsh Winters Make Deer Eat Whatever They Can Find
One of the biggest reasons for deer to feed on ferns is when the food becomes scarce. In all those areas where winters are harsh and green plants are hard to find, deer will eat whatever they find, including ferns.
Fawns Often Eat Whatever While Getting Used to What’s Edible
Likewise, fawns also eat ferns when they are getting used to edible plants. Since they do not know which plant to avoid, as they are on a learning curve. Therefore, they will munch on ferns as well.
Dietary Habits Can Differ From Herd to Herd
It is notable that deer’s dietary habits vary from one herd to another. There are most likely chances of deer eating ferns in one place. However, it all is linked to the nature and availability of the food that dictates deer eating habits.
How To Keep Deer Away From Ferns
Now that we know your fern is completely out of danger, you should learn to keep it safe from deer. There are several ways to keep deer away, but we will focus on the best method.
Use Deer Repellent Methods
Deer repellent is one of the best ways to keep deer away from your yard. Several ideas can help you protect your fern.
● You can use predator urine spray as a base to scare the deer.
● Deodorant bars are another good choice to repel deer.
● You can poke a hole in a deodorant bottle and hang it near ferns.
● Nowadays, you can find ultrasonic deer repellent devices from a nearby store.
The Best Deer Resistant Ferns
Ferns come in different types, some being the most deer resistant. So, let us look at the best deer-resistant ferns, which satisfies our initial query – do deer eat ferns?
1. Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
It is one of the best deer-resistant ferns, which grows slowly and beautifully. Although it resembles a classic fern it has columns of blades on both sides of its stem.
Further, these are relatively small and usually grow 1 to 1.5 feet tall. However, if kept well, they can reach 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Moreover, these are native to North America and will go dormant in winter and reappear in spring.
2. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
It is not a favorite plant for deer and rabbits. Its fronds have green blades and look lacey. These can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and it is available globally.
Further, these grow in moist areas and deer are not thrilled to see them.
3. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. Pictum)
It is a dense deciduous fern that has grayish fronds and purplish stems. Further, it is a tiny fern that can grow up to 2 feet. Likewise, it loves to stay in or part shade with constantly moist soil.
4. Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)
It is a big fern that can reach 1 foot wide and 3 feet wide. Its blades are intricate and offer hairy surfaces. Further, it has a hay-like smell and is toxic in nature. You can use them to make a fence and plant it in moist, shady soil.
5. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
It is another big fern, but it goes taller and wider. Thus, it can reach 5-6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. They like acidic and moist soil and hate winds.
6. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
Sensitive fern does not like frost but loves wet soils. Like other ferns, it has fronds, but its pina and pinnule appear as single-lobed leaves. It can reach 4 feet wide and tall.
7. Osmunda spp.
You can use its roots as peat for orchid potting and they grow to about 5 feet tall. Further, it likes dappled shade and moist soil. Further, its fronds grow upwards and form a loosely cylindrical clump.
8. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
It is a rare fern that can grow in dry soil and is not deciduous. Further, it stays under 2 to 3 feet and is highly deer-resistant.
Will Ferns Come Back After Deer Eat Them?
Ferns are sturdy perennial plants that do not take a toll from light munching. Therefore, if a deer does happen to eat your fern, there are bright chances that it will bounce back very easily.
Moreover, deer only munch on outer fronds, whereas the healthiest fronds are left untouched, as these are found at the center of the plant. Therefore, you do not need to worry, as your fern will return.
The 12 Best Deer-Resistant Herbs for Your Garden
If deer are causing problems in your garden by munching on your favorite plants. You can plant the herbs below to repel deer and keep your garden in good shape.
● Basil
● Greek Oregano
● Rosemary
● Sage
● Thyme
● Yarrow
● Chives
● Catnip
● Mint
● Lavender
● Borage
● Bee balm
Final Thoughts
Do deer eat ferns is a question that bothers many plant lovers. Although deer do not eat ferns in normal conditions, they will not stop eating them if food becomes scarce.
Even though you do not need to worry much about deer, other culprits will be much on your fern. For instance, beavers and insects are more likely to feast on ferns than deer.
However, you can adopt certain methods to repel deer from eating your fern. For example, you can use repellant sprays, high fencing, planting Boston fern, and other deer-resistant plants. In short, it is not a tough task to keep your garden safe from deer.
FAQ
Are Ferns Deer Resistant?
Yes! Ferns are deer resistant; however, deer will eat ferns under certain conditions. These conditions include scarcity of food, fawns, and eating habits of a particular herd.
Are Ferns Poisonous?
Most ferns are not poisonous. However, there are a few types of ferns that produce spores that contain poison through oral ingestion.
Fern Companion Plants
You can use the following plants as companions for your plants.
● Astilbe
● Bleeding hearts
● Hostas
● Coral bells
● Hellebore
Do deer eat petunias or are they deer resistant?
Unfortunately, petunias are not deer-resistant plants. Therefore, deer would munch on your petunias like other succulent plants.