Native plants for Deer Seed Mix.
Native plants for deer, AKA “Feed the Deer Seed Mix”
It’s not for everyone, but some people actually WANT to feed the deer. Growing Goldenrod and Aster (especially New England Aster) is the only ethical way to feed the deer that we know. The deer and the Solidago species co-evolved, which is why the Goldenrod has such an assertive habit. As a result, Goldenrod is one of the deer’s favorite foods, and so it had to keep pace with the deer’s voracious appetite.
If you’re confused about a holiday gift for your devoted nature loving friend or family member, look no further. Spread these seeds at a woodland edge, open field, meadow, pond edge, or any other spot where you’d like to encourage the deer. It’s also possible to use these seeds to strategically re-direct deer away from your closer-to-home gardens, but your mileage may vary. This mix is a great choice for roadside/highway habitat restoration projects.
The Stability of Solidago.
There’s something comforting about the ubiquity of Goldenrod. We notice it every day as we travel up and down the highways and side streets. Of the 100+ properties we visit each summer, Goldenrod is everywhere. There’s not a single property we visit without a view of one of our native Goldenrod species somewhere on or nearby. Even the metro urban Albany, NY sites have Goldenrod spontaneously bursting out of corners and cracks.
It starts to feel like a beloved family member. Its’s hard not to admire its tenacity and bravery. Of all the plants we know, the Goldenrods are not ashamed of themselves. With confidence and self-satisfaction, Solidago grows where it wants to. You could almost say it’s smug? If you begin to look for it everywhere, you’ll notice more details about everything else too. Differentiating between the different individual species of Goldenrod is advanced level plant literacy. Solidago canadensis has a full, lush flowerhead and Solidago rigida is more petite. Purchasing some Goldenrod essential oil is a neat strategy to engage the plant with all your senses. Overlooked and oft considered a weed: Goldenrod. We are just starting to appreciate you.
