A Native Growing Season Forage for Wildlife—Teaweed, Sida acuta Burm. f.

Teaweed has been a problem plant in agriculture, but our research has found that this plant has many good qualities as a wildlife food source. Anyone interested in growing plants that benefit native wildlife, especially white-tailed deer, turkeys and quail, can improve wildlife habitat by managing native plants. How does managing native plants improve the forage quality on your property? For example, to reach optimum body size and full antler growth, white-tailed deer require at least 16% protein in the plants they consume. The plants discussed in this paper all meet or exceed that minimum required protein level for white-tailed deer growth and development.