Smartweed, devil’s beggarticks, Japanese millet and curly dock are all wetland plants that provide seeds and cover for ducks. Of these, smartweed and Japanese millet are the best known as duck food, because their seeds are high in energy and ducks readily eat them. They are planted or encouraged in managed wetlands, ponds and moist-soil units for waterfowl.
Smartweed
Smartweeds (Polygonum and related genera) grow in shallow water and moist soil. Ducks eat the small seeds, and the stems and leaves provide cover. Smartweed seed is a long-standing favorite of dabbling ducks such as mallards, pintails and teal. It grows best on moist soil that is drawn down in summer and flooded in fall.
Japanese millet
Japanese millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) is a fast-growing annual grass planted on moist soil in early summer. It produces large seed heads that ducks eat in fall. It is a popular choice in waterfowl management because it grows quickly and holds its seed. Plant after the soil warms and drains, and flood in fall to make seeds available.
Devil’s beggarticks
Devil’s beggarticks (Bidens frondosa) is a native annual that often grows in wet areas. Waterfowl will eat the seeds, though they are less important than smartweed or millet. The seeds have barbed tips that stick to clothing and fur, so it can be a nuisance on pasture land.
Curly dock
Curly dock (Rumex crispus) produces seeds that ducks and other birds eat, and the leaves are edible for some animals. It is a common weed in damp ground. Curly dock can be an acceptable part of a natural diet but it is not typically planted for ducks.
Feeding backyard ducks
If you are managing a farm pond or feeding domestic ducks, plants alone are not enough. Domestic ducks need a balanced waterfowl or duck feed (about 16 percent protein for adults), clean water to dunk their bills and grit. Treat these wild seeds as extras, not the whole diet. See our guides on homemade duck feed and alfalfa pellets for ducks.
Planting and management tips
- Use moist-soil management: drain in spring, allow plants to grow, then flood shallowly in fall.
- Mix species for variety of seed and cover.
- Check local wildlife agency advice, since planting rules and flooding may be regulated in your area.
- Avoid herbicide and fertilizer runoff into the pond.
Bottom Line
Smartweed and Japanese millet are excellent natural duck foods; beggarticks and curly dock add seeds and cover. For pet or farm ducks, use these as supplements to a balanced duck feed.
