Do Deer Eat Rhubarb? Everything You Need to Know About This Deer-Resistant Plant

If you are searching for a vegetable deer will not eat, you may be wondering: Do deer eat rhubarb? Rhubarb is often praised as a deer-resistant crop, but the real answer isn’t quite so simple. In this expert guide from Nature’s MACE, we will explore rhubarb’s role in your garden, its toxicity, and whether it truly deters deer.

Rhubarb and Deer: An Unlikely Relationship

Deer are opportunistic feeders. These animals eat a wide variety of plants, especially when food is scarce. From shrubs and vegetables to even birdseed and animal remains, hungry deer will test almost anything. However, rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is one of the few plants that typically repels deer naturally.

Rhubarb grows in tall red or green stalks with broad, dark green leaves. While the stalks are edible when cooked, the leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, which is toxic to both humans and animals. This natural toxicity makes rhubarb generally unappealing to deer, especially when they have other options.

Why Deer Usually Avoid Rhubarb

According to research from Cornell University, rhubarb is considered a deer-resistant plant. The oxalic acid in the leaves can irritate the digestive system and, in large quantities, may even lead to kidney failure or death in animals. Additionally, rhubarb has a bitter taste, thick leaves, and a strong odor—all factors that make it unattractive to grazing deer.

Still, deer behavior is unpredictable. While most deer will avoid rhubarb, starving deer might nibble at it when other food is unavailable. This typically happens during early spring or late winter, when natural forage is limited.

Can You Rely on Rhubarb as a Deer Deterrent?

Rhubarb should not be your only line of defense. Although it is deer-resistant, it is not deer-proof. Some gardeners have reported deer chewing off the leaves and damaging the stalks during extreme conditions. If a deer eats only a small portion of the plant, it may not suffer ill effects. However, consuming 5 to 10 pounds of rhubarb leaves could be fatal to a single deer.

For this reason, you should treat rhubarb as part of a layered deer control strategy. It’s a smart plant choice, but not a standalone solution for deterring wildlife from your garden.

How to Keep Deer Away from Rhubarb and Other Crops

To effectively protect your garden from deer, combine rhubarb with other natural deterrents. Here are a few reliable solutions:

• Use scent-based deer repellents like Nature’s MACE Deer & Rabbit Repellent. Rotate between formulas to prevent desensitization.

• Install fencing that is at least 8 feet tall. Alternatively, use slanted or double-row fencing for added protection.

• Plant deer-resistant companions like lavender, mint, garlic, or onions around more vulnerable crops.

• Apply repellents early in the season, especially when plants are young and more vulnerable to browsing.

These tactics will help ensure that deer stay away from your rhubarb and the rest of your garden.

Final Thoughts: Do Deer Eat Rhubarb?

In summary, deer usually do not eat rhubarb, thanks to its toxic leaves and bitter flavor. However, hungry deer may still test your rhubarb plants during harsh seasons. If they eat large amounts, it could harm or even kill them, but this is rare.

To fully protect your garden, do not rely on rhubarb alone. Combine it with trusted deer repellents and physical barriers for the best results. At Nature’s MACE, we recommend an integrated approach to deer control—one that includes safe, non-toxic, and effective products to keep your landscape beautiful and deer-free.

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