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This hardy tree provides food for deer throughout the year, and its leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals. One of the best ways to feed deer is to plant Alternate-Leaved Dogwood. The best way to feed Alternate-Leaved Dogwood to deer
The bloodtwig dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), also known as common or red osier dogwood, grows throughout Europe except for Scandinavia north of Lapland, Asia Minor, Iran and Siberia eastward into central China. This tree makes an excellent ornamental addition to any landscape with its bright yellow fruits ripening in late summer/early fall followed by crimson leaves in autumn before they drop off for winter dormancy. Its fruit is smaller than that of the American variety, but it's just as tasty to deer. The European dogwood (Cornus mas) hails from southern Europe and northwest Africa. In fact, this species is sometimes called "deer candy" because they love it so much If you have American dogwoods on your property and want to keep them safe from hungry deer, consider planting another type that isn't as palatable instead. It's also a favorite food source for white-tailed deer. The American dogwood (Cornus florida) is native to eastern North America and beloved for its showy spring flowers. There are many types of dogwood, but which one do deer like to eat the most? Here is a list of the top three: In fact, research has shown that dogwoods contribute significantly to the diet of white-tailed deer during fall and winter months when other food sources are scarce. The berries produced by this tree are an important food source for many birds and small mammals, which in turn provide valuable nutrients to deer as well. Alternate-Leaved Dogwood is high in nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium – all important for healthy deer populations. Nutritional benefits of Alternate-Leaved Dogwood for deerĭid you know that the Alternate-Leaved Dogwood is not only a beautiful ornamental tree, but it also provides many nutritional benefits for deer? Here are some of the reasons why this native North American species should be on your radar: They find them sweet and delicious, making them a perfect snack or meal option whenever they can get their hands on them (or hooves, rather). Deer love the taste of Alternate-Leaved Dogwoods. Alternate-Leaved Dogwood is one of the trees that provide food for deer during the winter months when other sources of food are scarce. The leaves of the Alternate-Leaved Dogwood tree are high in protein and essential nutrients that deer need to survive and thrive. There are many reasons why deer might eat Alternate-Leaved Dogwood. Why do deer eat Alternate-Leaved Dogwood? The fruits of this tree are also eaten by several species of birds. This plant is not a preferred food source for them, however, they will browse it if other plants are unavailable. Common name refers to the cherry-like fruits which resemble in color the semi-precious gemstone carnelian (or cornelian).Yes, deer will consume the leaves and twigs of alternate-leaved dogwoods. This name was applied to this plant because it was seen as the opposite of Cornus sanguinea, known as the female or wild cornel. The specific epithet mas means "masculine" or "male". Cornus is also the Latin name for cornelian cherry. Genus name comes from the Latin word cornu meaning horn in probable reference to the strength and density of the wood. Fruits may be used for making syrups and preserves.
Fruits are edible, although sour tasting fresh off the plant. Fruits are ellipsoid, fleshy, one-seeded berries (drupes to 5/8" long) which mature to cherry red in mid-summer. Ovate to elliptic dark green leaves (to 4" long) typically develop insignificant fall color. Each umbel is surrounded at the base by small, yellowish, petaloid bracts which are much less showy than the large decorative bracts found on some other species of dogwood such as Cornus florida (flowering dogwood) and Cornus kousa (kousa dogwood). Yellow flowers on short stalks bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge in dense, showy, rounded clusters (umbels to 3/4" wide). Scaly, exfoliating bark develops on mature trunks. It typically grows over time to 15-25' tall with a spread to 12-20' wide.
Cornus mas, commonly known as cornelian cherry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to central and southern Europe into western Asia.