Sedum, commonly known as stonecrop, is a genus of succulent plants prized by gardeners for its resilience and low-maintenance nature. These perennials store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, allowing them to thrive in tough conditions. Despite their tough exterior, Sedum plants are frequently targeted by various species of wildlife. Their high water content and availability, especially during periods of drought or food scarcity, make them a tempting snack.
Common Sedum Predators
Larger mammalian herbivores, particularly white-tailed deer, will consume Sedum, despite the plant’s designation as generally deer-resistant. Deer prefer softer, highly nutritious foliage, but they will readily browse on upright varieties like ‘Autumn Joy’ when favored food sources are limited. The leaves’ succulent nature provides a valuable source of moisture, making the plants attractive during hot, dry summer months.
Smaller, ground-level mammals often cause more consistent damage, with rabbits being a frequent culprit. While Sedum is not a preferred food source for rabbits, they will opportunistically feed on new growth. Voles, small rodents, primarily target the plant from below the soil surface. They consume roots, tubers, and lower stems, often causing the plant to wilt or die without obvious signs of above-ground feeding.
Slugs and snails are attracted to the tender, new spring growth of Sedum. These mollusks are drawn to moisture and soft tissue, especially during damp periods or in shaded garden areas. Other small animals, such as squirrels and chipmunks, sometimes nibble on new shoots or dig around the base of the plants. Birds, especially finches, have also been observed eating the juicy leaves, often seeking moisture during times of heat.
Interpreting Damage Patterns
Identifying the specific culprit responsible for Sedum damage requires close observation of the remaining plant material. Damage caused by deer is typically characterized by a ragged, torn appearance on the stems and leaves. This occurs because deer lack upper incisors and must tear the plant material, with damage often occurring high off the ground on taller varieties.
Rabbits leave behind a clean, angled cut, often at a 45-degree angle, close to the ground where they feed. Finding small, dark, pea-sized droppings nearby strongly suggests rabbit activity. If the plant is wilting or has disappeared entirely without being visibly eaten, voles are a likely suspect. Their presence is confirmed by small, surface-level runways or tunnels, approximately two inches wide, leading to the base of the plant, or by tiny gnaw marks on the stems near the soil line.
Slugs and snails leave a distinct signature, creating irregular, ragged holes in the leaves. The most definitive sign of their feeding is the silvery, dried slime trail left behind on the leaves and soil surface, confirming the nocturnal activity of these mollusks.
Effective Deterrence and Protection
Physical barriers provide the most reliable method for excluding larger animals from Sedum plantings. To deter deer, a fence must be at least eight feet high, as they are capable jumpers. For rabbits, a simple, low fence constructed of chicken wire or hardware cloth, extending at least two feet high and secured to the ground, is often sufficient. To protect against voles, a barrier of fine-mesh hardware cloth (one-quarter inch or smaller) should be installed around the planting area, extending six to ten inches below the soil line to prevent tunneling.
Repellents offer another layer of defense, working by taste or scent to make the plants unappetizing. Commercial repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin, garlic, or putrescent egg solids are effective for deer and rabbits. These must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or new growth emerges. To prevent animals from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent, alternate between products with different active ingredients. Applying coarse materials around the plants, such as gravel or crushed eggshells, can also create a physical deterrent that slugs, snails, and voles prefer to avoid.
Cultural controls focus on modifying the environment to make it less appealing to pests. Slugs and snails are attracted to moisture and debris, so keeping the area around Sedum clean by removing weeds, leaf litter, and other hiding spots reduces their habitat. Adjusting irrigation practices, such as switching to drip systems or watering only in the morning, helps the soil surface dry out before nightfall, which discourages nocturnal slug activity. Keeping the grass surrounding the garden trimmed short also eliminates the protective cover that voles and rabbits use for safe travel.