Do Squirrels Eat Daylilies

If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably noticed some suspicious activity in your flower beds. One common question that comes up is: do squirrels eat daylilies? The short answer is yes, they can and sometimes do, but they aren’t usually their first choice. Understanding why and when they might nibble can help you protect your prized blooms without declaring all-out war on your local wildlife.

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are generally considered deer-resistant and fairly tough. However, in the complex ecosystem of your garden, squirrels are opportunistic feeders. While they prefer nuts, seeds, and fruits, a hungry squirrel or one looking for water might turn its attention to your daylily plants. They are most likely to damage the flower buds or use the tall stalks as a quick snack or even a water source.

Let’s look closer at the evidence. Squirrels are known for digging, gnawing, and tasting almost anything. Your daylilies can become a target under specific conditions. It’s not usually about the leaves; it’s more about other parts of the plant.

What Parts of the Daylily Do Squirrels Target?

Squirrels typically leave the long, strappy leaves alone. The damage you see is often focused on two areas:

Flower Buds: This is the most common complaint. Just as the fat, juicy buds are about to open, a squirrel might bite them off. They may take a single bite and discard the rest, which is particularly frustrating.
Young Stalks & Flowers: Occasionally, they’ll chew on the tender flower stalks or nip off open blooms. This can be for moisture, especially during dry spells, or simply out of curiosity.
The Roots & Bulbs: While less common for daylilies (which have tuberous roots, not true bulbs), squirrels digging for other things or burying nuts can accidentally disturb the root system, damaging the plant.

Why Would a Squirrel Eat My Daylilies?

Squirrels aren’t naturally drawn to daylilies as a primary food source. Their interest is usually sparked by a few key factors:

Lack of Water: In a drought, the succulent buds and stalks provide moisture.
Scarcity of Preferred Food: If their usual acorns, berries, or birdseed are scarce, they’ll sample other options.
Curiosity & Habit: Young squirrels taste everything as they learn whats edible. They also have a natural need to gnaw to keep their constantly growing teeth in check.
They’re Burying Food: The soft soil around daylilies can look inviting for burying a nut, leading to dug-up plants.

How to Tell if Squirrels Are the Culprits

Before you blame the squirrels, make sure they’re the ones causing the trouble. Here’s how to identify their signature damage:

Half-eaten buds or flowers left on the ground near the plant.
Clean, angled cuts on stems (unlike the ragged tears from insects).
Small, shallow holes dug in the soil around the plants.
Seeing them in the act is, of course, the best evidence!

Protective Strategies: Deterrence Over Harm

The goal is to protect your daylilies, not harm the squirrels. A combination of methods works best.

1. Physical Barriers (Most Effective)

Blocking access is often the surest solution.

Chicken Wire Cages: Create a simple cage from wire mesh around the daylily clump. The squares should be about 1-inch size to keep squirrels out but let plants grow through.
Cloches or Netting: Use temporary netting over the plants when buds are forming. Secure it well at the base so squirrels can’t get underneath.

2. Taste and Smell Deterrents

These need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain.

Capsaicin Spray: Make a homemade spray with water and a few teaspoons of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Test on a single leaf first to ensure it doesn’t harm the plant.
Commercial Repellents: Look for granular or liquid repellents containing ingredients like predator urine (coyote, fox) or bitter-tasting agents.
Strong-Smelling Additions: Planting alliums (like garlic or onions) nearby or sprinkling used coffee grounds around your daylilies can mask the scent and deter curious noses.

3. Distraction and Habitat Modification

Make your garden less inviting and offer a better alternative.

Provide Water: Place a shallow birdbath or water dish away from your flower beds. This can reduce bud-chewing for moisture.
Offer a Squirrel Feeder: Place a feeder stocked with corn or peanuts far from your daylilies. The idea is to give them a more appealing food source that they’ll prefer.
Trim Back Access: Cut back tree branches that overhang your garden, removing the squirrels’ aerial highways.

What Doesn’t Work (And Saves You Time)

Some popular methods have limited effectiveness. Ultrasonic devices and scarecrows might work for a day or two, but squirrels quickly get used to them. Plastic owls or snakes need to be moved daily to remain convincing. Its often better to focus your energy on the barrier and deterrent methods listed above.

Long-Term Garden Harmony

A healthy garden is a balanced one. Squirrels play a role in seed dispersal and are part of the local ecosystem. The key is management, not elimination. By focusing on protecting specific plants like your daylilies during their vulnerable budding period, you can enjoy both the wildlife and your beautiful flowers.

Remember, persistence is key. Squirrels are clever and adaptable, so you may need to rotate your tactics. What works for one gardener might not work for another, depending on local squirrel populations and food availability. Don’t get discouraged if you have to try a few different approaches.

FAQ: Squirrels and Daylilies

Are daylilies poisonous to squirrels?

No, daylilies are not toxic to squirrels. In fact, the lack of toxicity is one reason they feel comfortable tasting them. (Note: True lilies, Lilium species, are highly toxic to cats but are a different plant altogether).

Do rabbits eat daylilies too?

Yes, rabbits are much more likely than squirrels to eat the entire daylily plant, including the leaves. If the foliage is being heavily eaten down to the ground, rabbits or deer are more probable suspects.

What other flowers do squirrels commonly eat?

Squirrels are known for digging up and eating flower bulbs like tulips and crocus. They also sometimes damage sunflowers, corn, tomatoes, and squash in vegetable gardens.

Will squirrel damage kill my daylily plant?

It’s very unlikely. Daylilies are resilient perennials. While losing buds is disheartening, the plant’s energy is stored in its roots. It will recover and send up new growth, though you may miss that season’s flowers if the buds are all destroyed.

Is it worth trying to trap and relocate squirrels?

Generally, no. It’s often illegal without a permit, and it creates a territorial vacancy that will quickly be filled by another squirrel. It also stressful and potentially harmful to the animal. Focus on protecting your plants instead.