The presence of deer often creates conflict for gardeners, raising questions about which cultivated crops are safe. This concern extends to common garden inhabitants like purslane, a plant that frequently appears in disturbed soil and can be either a nuisance or a welcome harvest. Determining whether deer browse on this particular succulent is necessary for planning garden defense. Understanding the complex feeding habits of deer, which are driven by nutritional need and availability, helps gardeners implement informed, effective strategies for protecting garden resources.
Understanding Purslane: Weed or Welcome Crop?
Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) presents a distinct paradox, being both one of the world’s most widespread weeds and a highly nutritious edible green. Its identification is characterized by smooth, reddish, mostly prostrate stems that spread low to the ground. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and succulent, clustered at the stem ends, a feature that helps the plant retain moisture and tolerate drought conditions.
As a weed, purslane is tenacious, able to re-root from broken stem pieces and produce an enormous number of tiny, dark seeds. This prolific seed production and rapid growth allow it to quickly cover bare ground, competing with cultivated crops for water and nutrients.
However, as a crop, purslane is valued for its slightly sour and salty flavor, often compared to spinach or watercress, and is consumed worldwide. The plant boasts an impressive nutritional profile, containing significant amounts of vitamins A and C. It is notably one of the few leafy vegetables to contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. The plant’s thick, water-storing leaves and stems make it an appealing target for anything looking for a quick source of moisture and sustenance.
Deer Foraging Behavior and Purslane Palatability
The question of whether deer consume purslane is answered by understanding their feeding hierarchy: deer generally consider it a secondary or tertiary food source, but they will eat it, especially under specific conditions. White-tailed deer are selective foragers, preferring highly digestible and nutrient-rich plants, such as forbs and the tender new growth of woody browse. Their digestive system dictates a requirement for high-quality forage, providing the protein necessary for growth and antler development.
Purslane is listed as having low use as a food for large mammals, largely because deer often favor crops with higher crude protein content when it is available. However, the succulent nature of the plant, combined with its high water content, makes it attractive during periods of drought or when preferred forage is scarce. In these situations, deer will readily turn to less-preferred emergency foods, which include plants like purslane.
The seasonality of plant growth also influences consumption, as deer are more likely to browse on the tender, younger leaves and stems of purslane than on older, tougher growth. Furthermore, the seeds of purslane, once consumed by white-tailed deer, have been observed to pass through the digestive tract and remain viable. This means deer can inadvertently contribute to the plant’s spread throughout the garden and surrounding areas.
Strategies for Protecting Garden Crops from Deer
Since deer may consume purslane and are highly likely to target more desirable garden vegetables, implementing protective measures is crucial for safeguarding the entire crop yield. The most consistently effective method for preventing deer damage is physical exclusion, which means erecting barriers that physically stop the animal from reaching the plants. Because deer are capable jumpers, a fence must be at least eight feet tall to be truly deer-proof.
Fencing materials can range from woven wire to high-tensile electric fencing, with low-voltage electric strands providing an added deterrent without causing harm. For smaller, high-value beds, individual protection can be achieved using wire cages or netting draped over hoops. Ensure the netting is secured firmly to the ground so deer cannot push underneath it.
Strategic planting can also reduce damage, such as placing vulnerable crops closer to the house or using plants that deer actively dislike as a perimeter barrier.
Chemical repellents work by creating an unpleasant taste or scent, often utilizing ingredients like putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin. The effectiveness of these products relies heavily on consistent reapplication, especially after rain or as new plant growth emerges. To prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single repellent, rotating between different scent- and taste-based formulations is recommended. Combining physical barriers with a rotating repellent strategy offers the most robust defense against persistent deer browsing.