Do Deer Eat Sorrel?

Sorrel Types

• At least two genera are called sorrel. Oxalis is a member of the wood sorrel family, while Rumex is a member of the dock family. Common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and French sorrel (Rumex scutatus), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, are herbs valued for their tart, lemony flavor. Wood sorrels, such as Oxalis acetosella, hardy in USDA zones 6 through 11, and Oxalis oregana, hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, offer similar-tasting leaves.

Food Pressure

• The lack or abundance of available food usually will be the greatest indication if deer will eat certain landscape plants. If food isn't readily available, deer will go where the food is, even if it's in your yard. Although sorrels aren't their first choice for food, they will eat them if there is little else to eat. Tests conducted at Rutgers University shows that, while Oxalis species are eaten, they are seldom damaged severely. Rumex species are grazed on by deer in the wild, and, therefore, may be targeted by deer when planted in the landscape.

Deer Preferences

• Deer populations vary in what they prefer to eat according to deer species, geographic area, time of year and food availability. Check with neighbors to see what plants deer avoid. Young, tender plants are preferred over older, established plants, and new growth is preferred over older, tougher stems. Since Oxalis and Rumex tend to produce soft, tender growth, both may be a target for deer searching out easy-to-chew, tasty leaves. Also, pregnant deer tend to eat more.

Oxalic Acid

• Rumex and Oxalis contain a chemical, called oxalic acid, which is responsible for the tart taste both plants possess. When humans or some animals eat too much of this, it can form crystals in the kidneys and cause an immense amount of discomfort. Deer, however, seem immune to the damage caused by oxalic acid in human bodies. Some scientists speculate it's the deer's mixed diet, the ingestion of clay that may bind to toxins, or the bacteria in the deer's gut that prevents damage.