The tables below provide information that you may need when assessing the impact of herbivores on the woodland field layer. More detailed information is available on the Relative palatability of key upland field layer species.
In general, coarse, tussocky grasses, mosses and woody heath species are less palatable than fine-leaved grasses and herbs. However when you add variables such as changes in digestibility during the growing season, proximity and abundance of more palatable species, etc., the picture can become quite complicated. These tables should be regarded as a rough rather than a definitive guide.
If you have experience that differs from the guidance given here, we would like to hear from you.
| Species | Latin name | Palatability | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Bent-grass | Agrostis capillaris | High | |
| Red fescue | Festuca rubra | High |
Sheep's fescue is only moderately palatable |
| Yorkshire Fog | Holcus lanatus | High | |
| Wavy Hair-grass | Deschampsia flexuosa | Medium | |
| Tufted Hair-grass | Deschampsia cespitosa | Medium |
In upland areas, this species appears to have greater palatability due to less silica in the leaves |
| Sweet vernal grass | Anthoxanthum odoratum | Medium | |
| Purple Moor-grass | Molinia caerulea | Low |
New growth in the spring and early summer is moderately palatable, especially to some breeds of cattle |
| Mat grass | nardus stricta | Low |
Generally avoided, especially by sheep, though some grazing occurs in the winter and early spring |
| Soft rush | Juncus effusus | Low |
New growth in the spring and early summer may be grazed by cattle |
| Sharp-flowered rush | Juncus acutiflorus | Low |
New growth in the spring and early summer may be grazed by cattle |
| Greater Wood-rush | Luzula sylvatica | Low/high |
Palatability of great woodrush for cattle is high |
| Species | Latin name | Palatability | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honeysuckle | Lonicera periclymenum | High |
Honeysuckle is only able to climb trees when browsing impacts are fairly low. Honeysuckle present in the field layer but not climbing trees is a good indicator of significant browsing impacts |
| Bramble | Rubus fruitcosus | High |
The presence of well-developed bramble capable of snagging clothing suggests low browsing impacts. Dead, snagging bramble branches suggest low impacts have been present for several growing seasons |
| Raspberry | Rubus idaeus | High | |
| Ivy | Hedera helix | High | |
| Meadowsweet | Filipendula ulmaria | High | |
| Heather | Calluna vulgaris | Medium |
Heather height and growth form is a good indicator of browsing impacts in opem ground habitats. Very low, 'carpet' or 'drumstick' growth forms suggest significant browing impacts |
| Blaeberry | Vaccinium myrtillus | High |
Blaeberry is the most palatable of the heath species, though in spring/summer less preferentially browsed than neighbouring palatable grasses and herbs. A good indicator of browsing impact in acid woodland |
| Bog myrtle | Myrica gale | Medium |
Bog myrtle growth form is an indicator of browsing pressure in open habitats. Tall bog myrtle (0.5m or more) with relatively straight and sparsely branched main stems suggests low browsing impacts |
| Cross-leaved heath | Ercica tetralix | Low |
| Species | Latin name | Palatability | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog's mercury | Mercurialis | High |
Particularly attractive to sheep. May remain untouched by deer |
| Devil's-bit scabious | Succisa pratensis | Medium | |
| Heath bedstraw | Galium saxatile | Low |
|
| Tormentil | Potentilla erecta | Low | |
| Primrose | Primula vulgaris | Low | |
| Bluebell | Hycainthoides non-scripta | Low | High for muntjac deer |
| Wood sorrel | Oxalis acetosella | Low |
| Species | Latin name | Palatability | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckler ferns | Dryopteris sp | Medium | High for deer in the spring |
| Lady fern | Athyrium felix-femina | Medium | |
| Lemon scented fern | Oreopteris limbosperma | Medium | |
| Hard fern | Blechnum spicant | Low |
Moderately palatable for deer. May be relatively more palatable on nutrient-poor soils |
| Bracken | Pteridium aquilinum | Low |
Bracken is toxic, especially to cattle, but young fronds may be browsed in late spring |
Palatability of key field layer species - Mosses and lichens
Very low palatability for all species.