What Animals Eat Flowers?
Flowers are important food sources for a variety of animals, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, turtles and lizards. Aphids, spider mites, sawflies and other invertebrates feed on flowers as well.
The flower-eating habits of deer and rabbits often cause problems for gardeners. According to Better Homes and Gardens, some common deterrents include odoriferous agents, such as fabric softener sheets and moth balls, or frightening deterrents, such as radios and noisemakers. Ironically, morning glory flowers are often used as a deterrent for deer. The Humane Society of the United States explains that rabbits frustrate gardeners as well, but they can often be dissuaded through the use of barriers or chemical repellents. Flowers that bloom in the early spring form an important part of the diet of squirrels, as few other foods are available.
Many aquatic turtles eat the occasional flower that falls into a stream, but several land-loving tortoise species depend on them heavily for food. According to the Tortoise Trust, red-footed and yellow-footed tortoises are particularly fond of flowers, as are many Mediterranean tortoise species.
Humans also eat flowers, including dandelions, roses and violas. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, flowers may represent a significant source of dietary minerals, such as potassium.
