We have a lot of new mayapple colonies this spring. This is the first year that deer are aggressively feeding on the leaves. I always thought the leaves were toxic to humans and deer.
Looks like I was wrong ;o)
Looks like I was wrong ;o)
Mayapples
- Thread starter TNlandowner
- Start date
DoubleRidge
Well-Known Member
I believe you are correct that the leaves are toxic. Not saying deer havent ever eaten mayapple leaves but I havent ever seen widespread evidence...especially this time of year when there is so much to choose from.
BSK
Well-Known Member
The big acorn crop from last fall, possibly mixed with some unique weather conditions, has produced the biggest oak sprout density I've ever seen this spring. I can't believe how many little oak sprouts I'm seeing in the woods. And deer love those!
Unrelated but may apples often mean morels are there as well.
BSK
Well-Known Member
Very interesting.
I have heard that before, but hasn't been the case where I'm at.
MickThompson
Well-Known Member
I noticed the same- extensive browsing on mayapple- at a buddy's place in Wilson county a few weeks ago
I have a colony of the Mayapples growing 50 - 60 yards from my shop / office. I watched a group of four does feed on the leaves several days this past week. They have also browsed a lot of new tree leaf growth as BSK mentioned.
Wow, would I be blessed if this area held Morels. I've never found a single morel on our farm in Carroll county. I read an article on how to start a morel colony, but never tried it.
Wow, would I be blessed if this area held Morels. I've never found a single morel on our farm in Carroll county. I read an article on how to start a morel colony, but never tried it.
