What Food Source for Deer Grows Best in Wet Soil?

A deer peeks out from a grove of lush plants.

Deer Food Thrives in Rich Soils

An abundant crop of Southern crab apples

American hazelnut is a favorite food choice of deer, and it thrives best in rich, moist and well-drained soils and along streams, according to Bryan J. Burnhan in his "Early Season Hot Spots" article.

Burnhan also identifies Southern crab apple as a high-quality food source for deer and notes that crab apple prospers in well-drained, moist and acid soils in corner fields.

Chickasaw Plum is Drought-Tolerant

Burnhan describes Chickasaw plum and persimmon as favorite deer foods that are very tolerant of drought conditions, even though Persimmon adapts itself to moist soils as well. He advises that Chickasaw matures in late summer in time for an excellent source of deer food.

Bottom Line

Persimmon is a favorite deer food choice.

Burnham notes that American hazelnut and Southern crab apple thrive best in free-draining soil, but he also states that persimmon and Chickasaw Plum do quite well in drought conditions and provide healthy deer food crops. Perhaps the means will guarantee the end when a deer feasts on its available favorite foods regardless of the soil type.

References

• Farming for Wildlife: Early Season Hot Spots

Resources

• Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries: Plantings To Attract Deer