There are a lot of myths out there about what deer do and do not eat. One common question is: do deer eat Osage orange?
Yes, deer will eat Osage oranges and leaves from hedge apple trees. While Osage oranges are not a major part of a deer’s diet, they will absolutely eat them if they’re hungry enough.
There’s a bit more to learn about deer eating Osage oranges which we’ll cover in today’s guide. Read on for more info.
What Are Osage Oranges?
Hedge apples come from hedge apple trees, which are a small tree or large shrub.
Deer will eat the buds, flowers, fruit, soft limbs, and sometimes even the bark from hedge apple trees.
The fruit this tree bears are called Osage oranges, because these trees were originally brought to America to use in place of a hedge or fence to keep cattle in.
Hedge apples are large, yellow-green fruits that are shaped like oranges, but have rougher and bumpier exteriors.
They’re about 4-5” in diameter, and give off a bitter aroma.
The fruit oozes a milky and slimy liquid when cut, and have a ping-pong sized seed inside.
Although Osage oranges aren’t toxic, they’re considered inedible by humans due to their taste and aroma.
Why Do Deer Eat Osage Oranges?
As we covered, deer will eat Osage oranges most other food sources are depleted.
While they’re not big fans of the bumpy exterior, they’ll go after the flesh and seeds inside the Osage oranges.
But why do they do this?
Well, for one, deer are. Their sweet-savory and buttery taste are exactly what deer are looking for.
Additionally, deer will consume a wide variety of foods like Osage oranges based on opportunity.
If you’re not convinced, leave some Osage oranges out for deer to eat (or plant some), and wait to see what happens!
When Do Deer Eat Osage Oranges?
Deer will forage hedge apple leaves nearly year-round.
The hedge apple fruit is quite bitter, so deer will usually wait until after the first freeze and thaw of the season before eating Osage oranges.
This is because the initial freeze/thaw cycle decreases the bitter taste and aroma of Osage oranges.
Will Osage Oranges Grow Back After Deer Eat Them?
Hedge apple trees are extremely resilient and will grow back easily, even after being browsed heavily by deer.
Are Osage Oranges Good For Deer?
Hedge apples contain highly digestible fiber and carbohydrates for energy, so they attract deer when other food sources are low.
Hedge apples contain isoflavones, which are antioxidants that behave similarly to Vitamin E and Vitamin C.
These vitamins and minerals provide deer with many benefits.
For example, vitamin C will help protect deer against scurvy and vitamin assists in deer immune system function.
Water-Soluble Vitamins For Deer
Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means they cannot be stored, so they must be replaced continually.
So a deer that eats Osage oranges for the vitamin C content must continue to consume foods that contain these necessary vitamins to stay healthy.
Do Deer Eat Osage Oranges? Wrapping Things Up
So, do deer eat Osage oranges?
The answer is yes!
Deer will try to steer clear of the thick, rough exterior of Osage oranges but will chow down on the flesh and seeds inside.
Although Osage oranges aren’t a deer’s first choice, they’ll definitely eat them if they’re hungry enough.
Have any observations to add to the discussion? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Check our our other helpful wildlife guides while you’re here:
