What landscape plants do deer love?

Table of Contents

Many common landscape plants are irresistible to deer, including hostas, daylilies, and azaleas, making them primary targets for hungry deer in search of a tasty meal. Understanding what landscape plants do deer love is critical for protecting your garden.

Understanding Deer Appetite and Landscape Choices

Deer can be beautiful to observe, but their presence in a garden can quickly become a homeowner’s nightmare. These herbivores have a varied diet, and their preferences can change based on the season, regional plant availability, and even individual deer populations. A plant that is seemingly “deer-resistant” in one area may be devoured in another if food sources are scarce. Consequently, understanding deer behavior and their preferred landscape plants is crucial for protecting your gardens and landscapes.

Factors Influencing Deer Plant Preferences

Several factors determine which plants become a deer’s favorite snack. The succulence of a plant is a key factor. Deer are drawn to plants with high water content, especially during dry periods. Young, tender growth is also more appealing than mature, woody stems. The fragrance and taste of certain plants attract deer; sweet-smelling and tasting plants are especially vulnerable.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of factors:

Succulence: High water content makes plants more attractive.
Tenderness: Young growth is easier to digest.
Fragrance: Sweet or appealing scents attract deer.
Nutrient Content: Deer seek plants rich in essential nutrients.
Availability: Plants easily accessible become frequent targets.

The Deer Buffet: Highly Preferred Plants

So, what landscape plants do deer love? Certain plants consistently appear on the deer’s preferred menu. These are the plants that homeowners often lament finding stripped bare after a deer visit.

Some of the most favored plants include:

Hostas: Known as “deer candy,” these leafy plants are almost always targeted.
Daylilies: The succulent leaves and buds of daylilies are incredibly appealing.
Azaleas: Particularly the evergreen varieties are a deer favorite.
Rhododendrons: Similar to azaleas, these flowering shrubs are highly palatable.
English Ivy: Used as ground cover or climbing plants, this ivy can provide a consistent food source.
Impatiens: These shade-loving annuals are often decimated by deer.
Hydrangeas: Many varieties, especially those with softer leaves, attract deer.
Tulips: The bulbs, leaves, and flowers of tulips are vulnerable.
Fruit Trees: Young fruit trees, particularly apples and pears, are at high risk.
Vegetable Gardens: Deer will happily feast on lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and other garden vegetables.

Why Deer Love These Plants

Deer love these plants for a variety of reasons, often tied to their nutritional value and ease of digestion. For example, hostas and daylilies offer a high water content, making them desirable during dry spells. Azaleas and rhododendrons, while sometimes considered toxic in large quantities, offer valuable nutrients that deer seek. Tender shoots and buds are also rich in energy and easier to digest, explaining why these plants are frequently targeted.

Identifying Deer Damage

Recognizing deer damage early can help you implement preventative measures.

Common signs include:

Uneven, torn leaves and stems: Deer lack upper incisors, so they tear vegetation.
Missing buds and flowers: These are often the first parts of a plant to be eaten.
Tracks and droppings: Obvious indicators of deer presence.
Browsing line: A distinct line on trees and shrubs showing where deer have reached.
Rubbing damage on trees: Bucks rub their antlers on trees to mark territory.

Deer-Resistant Alternatives

While no plant is entirely “deer-proof,” many are less attractive to deer. Using these in your landscape can reduce deer browsing.

Plants with strong scents: Lavender, rosemary, and sage are often avoided.
Plants with prickly or fuzzy leaves: Lamb’s ear, artemisia, and sea holly are less appealing.
Ornamental grasses: These offer little nutritional value to deer.
Daffodils and other poisonous bulbs: Deer tend to avoid these plants.
Plants with leathery leaves: Boxwood and holly are generally deer-resistant.

A table summarizing deer favorites and deer-resistant alternatives:

Plant Type	Deer Favorites	Deer-Resistant Alternatives
———————-	———————–	—————————–
Flowers	Hostas, Tulips, Impatiens, Hydrangeas	Daffodils, Lavender, Marigolds
Shrubs	Azaleas, Rhododendrons	Boxwood, Holly, Barberry
Groundcover	English Ivy	Pachysandra, Creeping Thyme
Vegetables	Lettuce, Tomatoes	Onions, Garlic

Management Strategies

Even with deer-resistant plants, additional management strategies are essential for deterring deer.

Here are some common approaches:

Fencing: Physical barriers are the most effective deterrent.
Deer repellents: Sprays and granules can temporarily discourage deer.
Motion-activated sprinklers: These startle deer and discourage browsing.
Companion planting: Planting strongly scented herbs near vulnerable plants.
Noise deterrents: Devices that emit ultrasonic sounds or other noises.
Guard animals: Dogs can effectively deter deer.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adaptation

Deer behavior and preferences can change, so it’s important to monitor your landscape regularly and adapt your strategies as needed. What worked one year may not work the next. Stay informed about local deer populations and their feeding habits to effectively protect your garden.

Conclusion

Understanding what landscape plants do deer love? and implementing effective management strategies is crucial for protecting your gardens and landscapes. By choosing deer-resistant plants, using deterrents, and adapting your approach as needed, you can minimize deer damage and enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do deer eat my hostas when I thought they were deer-resistant?

While no plant is entirely deer-proof, hostas are generally considered a highly preferred food source for deer. This means that even in areas with plenty of food, deer will often choose hostas first. If deer are hungry enough, they will eat almost anything, even plants that are usually considered deer-resistant.

Are there any truly deer-proof plants?

There are no guaranteed deer-proof plants. However, some plants are consistently less attractive to deer. These often have strong scents, prickly leaves, or toxic compounds. These are more accurately described as deer-resistant.

What is the best type of deer repellent to use?

The best type of deer repellent depends on the situation. Repellents that contain putrescent egg solids or garlic are generally effective, but they may need to be reapplied after rain. Motion-activated sprinklers and electronic repellents can also be effective but require different strategies. Rotating repellents will help prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a particular scent or taste.

How high does a fence need to be to keep deer out?

A fence should be at least 8 feet tall to reliably deter deer. Deer are excellent jumpers and can easily clear lower fences. Using a slanted or woven wire fence can also be effective at discouraging deer from jumping.

What time of year are deer most likely to eat my plants?

Deer are most likely to eat your plants during the late fall and winter months when other food sources are scarce. They also graze heavily in the early spring when plants are just beginning to grow and offer tender, new growth.

Can I train deer to stay away from my garden?

While you can’t train deer in the traditional sense, you can modify their behavior by making your garden less appealing. Consistent use of repellents, combined with physical barriers and other deterrents, can discourage deer from visiting your garden.

Will planting deer-resistant plants guarantee that deer won’t eat anything in my yard?

No, planting deer-resistant plants doesn’t guarantee they won’t eat anything in your yard. In desperate times, when their natural food sources are limited (e.g., during a hard winter), deer may sample plants they wouldn’t normally consume. This is why a multi-faceted approach is critical.

Are young trees more susceptible to deer damage than mature trees?

Yes, young trees are generally more susceptible to deer damage. Deer often rub their antlers on young trees, which can strip the bark and damage or kill the tree. They also browse on young, tender foliage.

Do different breeds of deer have different plant preferences?

While there are regional variations, the differences in plant preferences between different breeds of deer are minimal. However, local food availability and population density can significantly influence what deer eat.

Are male deer more likely to damage plants than female deer?

Male deer, particularly bucks, are more likely to damage trees during the rutting season (fall) when they rub their antlers. Both males and females, however, browse on plants for food.

What are some natural deer repellents I can make at home?

Some natural deer repellents include garlic spray, chili pepper spray, and mixtures of soap and water. These need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.

How do I know if my plants are being damaged by deer or another animal?

Deer damage is often characterized by torn, uneven edges on leaves and stems. This is because deer lack upper incisors and tear at plants. Rabbit damage, in contrast, typically results in cleaner, angled cuts. Squirrels and other rodents may also cause damage but usually leave smaller, more precise bites. Examine tracks and droppings to help identify the culprit.