Do Deer Eat Pawpaws – Tips For Keeping Deer Out Of Pawpaw Trees
When planning out a garden, gardeners window shop through catalogues and put every plant on their wish list through a litmus test. This litmus test is a series of questions such as what growing zone, how to plant, sun or shade, how to care for… and, inevitably, is it deer resistant? I’m sure many of you can identify with the last one. I know I sure can. I live in a region where deer are prolific. They will converge on your garden in the middle of the night and dine on it like it was their personal buffet. Then, come morning, you’re watering your garden (well, what’s left of it) with your tears. I have been considering planting and growing pawpaw trees, but I have a bit of trepidation about the whole deer issue. Are pawpaws deer resistant? Is there a way of keeping deer out of pawpaw trees? Let’s find out more together.
About Pawpaw Trees and Deer
Are pawpaws deer resistant? Yes – as it turns out, they are classified as a “very resistant” deciduous shrub. A classification such as this, however, should not be interpreted as “completely resistant.” Generally speaking, though, when it comes to pawpaw trees and deer, you shouldn’t have to worry too much. Which brings me to this – what exactly is keeping deer out of pawpaw trees? Deer apparently find pawpaws unpalatable because the bark and foliage contain acetogenins, a natural insect repellent, which gives the bark and foliage an unpleasant taste.
Do Deer Eat PawPaws?
What about the fruit – do deer eat pawpaws? The jury seems to be out on whether deer really like pawpaw fruit or not. Some authoritative sources say not; however, my research revealed the personal experiences of others which say they do, particularly the fallen fruit – so I would be remiss if I did not mention this, and it is something you will want to keep in mind when it is close to harvest time. Keep in mind, though, that once the fruit is ripe, the deer will be the least of your worries, as there are a number of other animals (and people) that feast on the super yummy pawpaw fruit too. So, vigilance is definitely in order! Additionally, pawpaws are not impervious to rubbing damage from deer, so you may want to take this into consideration, especially if you have a heavy deer presence in your area. There are measures you can take to protect trees from rubbing damage, such as fencing-- 8 foot (2 m.) woven wire fences are effective, and tree wraps. Also, when planting pawpaw seedlings, you may want to protect them with a wire box fence, so they aren’t trampled or nibbled on by unsuspecting deer.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Shelley Pierce was a writer for Gardening Know How, contributing to hundreds of articles for the site.
-
Reese Witherspoon’s Natural DIY Wreath Beams With Festive Joy – Here’s How She Made It
Be inspired to recreate Reese Witherspoon's beautiful holiday wreath using greenery from your garden with our step-by-step guide to getting the look.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Growing Spotted Bee Balm: Find Out How To Grow Horsemint For Your Pollinator Garden
For anyone looking to cultivate native flowering plants that attract pollinators, spotted bee balm is a must! We show you how to grow horsemint for friendly garden visitors
By Tonya Barnett
-
Pawpaw Pie - Dessert Ideas To Use Pawpaw Fruit This Thanksgiving
The bold flavors in pawpaws make excellent desserts. If you are new to this fruit, learn how to prepare it for a variety of delicious recipes.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
How To Plant Pawpaw Tree Seeds: Tips For Germinating Pawpaw Seeds
With the many dark brown seeds produced in each pawpaw fruit, gardeners may naturally wonder: Can you grow a pawpaw tree from seed? Click on the following article to learn how to plant pawpaw tree seeds.
By Darcy Larum
-
Suckering Pawpaw Trees: What To Do With Pawpaw Suckers
With pawpaw seed propagation, a slow and demanding activity, many gardeners may wonder, "Should I keep my pawpaw tree suckers for propagation instead?". This article will answer that question, as well as other questions about pawpaw sucker maintenance.
By Darcy Larum
-
What Sex Are Pawpaw Flowers: How To Tell Sex In Pawpaw Trees
One reason this delicacy is not commercially grown has to do with pawpaw flower sex. It is difficult to know what sex pawpaw flowers are. Are pawpaws monoecious or dioecious? Is there a way to tell the sex in pawpaw trees? This article will help address the issue.
By Amy Grant
-
Pawpaw Trimming Guide: Learn How To Prune A Pawpaw Tree
Pawpaw trees are the most common fruit trees native to North America. Pawpaw trees grow best in a shady location with excellent drainage. Pawpaw pruning may sometimes be useful but it is not an essential. To find out if and when you should cut back pawpaw trees, click here.
By Teo Spengler
-
Using Pawpaw As Cancer Treatment: How Does Pawpaw Fight Cancer
Natural remedies have been around for as long as humans. For most of history, in fact, they were the only remedies. Every day new ones are being discovered or rediscovered. Click here to learn more about pawpaw herbal medicine, specifically using pawpaws for cancer treatment.
By Liz Baessler
-
Tips For Propagating Pawpaws – How To Propagate A Pawpaw Tree
The pawpaw is a strange fruit that deserves more attention. Reportedly Thomas Jefferson's favorite fruit, this North American native sprouts up in groves in the wild. But what if you want one in your own backyard? Click here to learn more about pawpaw tree reproduction.
By Liz Baessler
-
Pawpaw Cutting Propagation: Tips On Rooting Pawpaw Cuttings
The pawpaw is a tasty and unusual fruit. But the fruits are rarely sold in stores, so if there are no wild trees in your area, the only way to get the fruit is usually to grow it yourself. A common question is if you can propagate the tree from cuttings. Find out here.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez