While mature, dried tumbleweeds are rarely eaten by animals, some creatures do consume their tender shoots.
Animals That Eat Tumbleweeds
Tumbleweeds, particularly in their younger, less developed stages, can serve as a food source for certain animals. However, once the plant dries and forms its characteristic skeletal ball, its nutritional value diminishes significantly, and it becomes much less appealing as forage.
Primary Consumers of Young Tumbleweeds
The consumption of tumbleweeds is primarily limited to specific animals and certain stages of the plant's life cycle.
| Animal Type | Part Consumed | Condition of Tumbleweed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Rodents | Tender shoots | Young, green plant | Rarely consumed once the plant dries and hardens. |
| Antelope | Tender shoots | Young, green plant | Prefer the plant before it becomes a dry, thorny ball. |
These animals typically seek out the young, tender shoots of the tumbleweed plant. Once the plant has matured and transformed into a dried, skeletonized ball of branches, it becomes largely unpalatable and offers little sustenance. The thorny, brittle nature of the dried plant also makes it difficult and unpleasant for most animals to consume.
Historical Use as Forage
Although not a primary food source for most wildlife today, tumbleweeds have historically been utilized out of necessity. During periods of extreme drought and ecological hardship, such as the Dust Bowl period in the 1930s, dried tumbleweeds were pressed into service as forage hay. This desperate measure was taken when conventional grasses and other more desirable forage crops failed, highlighting their status as a last resort rather than a preferred dietary staple.
In summary, the consumption of tumbleweeds by animals is quite limited, primarily to the tender shoots by small rodents and antelope. The dried, rolling form of the plant is generally avoided.
