A Palatability Ranking of Central Texas Hill Country Forb and Woody Plant Species for White-Tailed Deer
David Mahler has ranked central Texas hill country forb and woody native plant species on their ability to survive white-tailed deer browse pressure. Species ranked 1 can survive under very high browse conditions while species ranked 5 can only survive under very low browse conditions or in protected areas.
As an interesting note, some species are able to survive high browse pressure situations while still providing nourishment for deer populations. For example, live oak acorns are an important white-tailed deer food source, but their leaves and twigs remain unbrowsed.
Spicewood Palatability Ranking March 2020
Written by David Mahler