Do Turkey & Deer Eat Crown Vetch?

Deer

• Crown vetch grows best in the autumn throughout the country and remains green through much of the winter. Due to both this fact and its legume characteristics, deer often browse it. Deer have even been observed pawing away snow to access the tasty weed.

Turkey

• While quail and doves favor the seeds of the crown vetch, turkeys browse on the foliage just like rabbits and deer. The vetch also provides a protected site for ground-nesting birds beneath its sprawling, crawling leaves and branches.

Livestock

• Cattle, goats, sheep and other livestock also enjoy foraging on crown vetch, although there is some evidence that it is toxic to horses. Sometimes livestock shows little interest when first introduced to young plants, but can be persuaded to eat established vetch and love it. Due to its aggressive nature and ability to grow on poor soils, it is a good livestock fodder. It also does not produce bloat like other legume hays.

Landscaping

• If planting crown vetch in your yard or garden, be aware of its invasive nature. Once you have established it, it is likely there to stay as it is extremely difficult to get rid of. Since turkey, deer and other wildlife like it, it will likely attract these pests into your living area where they may damage not only the vetch, but other ornamentals and edibles, as well.