Many who live in the suburbs share their environment with the native wildlife. For the most part, we can live in harmony with these creatures and drive considerable pleasure from their presence. However, the whitetail deer has absolutely no respect for the property of his human neighbors and possesses great athletic ability, making it difficult if not impossible to preclude its presence.
No small tree or shrub is safe from the buck that is rubbing the velvet from his antlers or marking his area. They not only cause breakage, but will rub the bark completely off a plant, causing its eventual death. The only protection is to place a cage of fencing around the plant. Here is a listing of plants which deer do not seem to like well enough to severely damage by eating. But a word of warning; deer can’t read and when they are hungry, they will eat almost anything.
Annuals
- Ageratum
- Dusty Miller
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Angelonia
- Heliotrope
- Periwinkle (Vinca)
- Russian Sage
- Angel’s Trumpet
- Lantana
- Petunia
- Sage/Salvia
- Cleome
- Lobularia
- Poppy
- Snapdragon
Perennials
- ArtemisiaÂ
- Coneflower
- Iris
- Sage/Salvia
- Beard Tongue
- Coreopsis
- Lamb’s Ear
- Santolina
- Bleeding Heart
- Cranesbill
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Catmint
- Euphorbia
- Peony
- Yarrow
Shrubs
- Abelia
- Elaeagnus
- Juniper
- Privet
- Barberry
- Quince
- Mahonia
- Spruce
- Butterfly Bush
- Holly
- Nandina
- Viburnum
- Boxwood
- Japanese Plum
- Yew
- Pomegranate
- Yucca
Grasses
- Bluestem
- Fountain
- Maiden
- Pampas
- Feather Reed
- Japanese Sedge
- Dwarf Mondo
- Sweet Flag
Vines
- English Ivy
- Jasmine
- Trumpet Creeper
- Wisteria
Trees
- Bald Cypress
- Gingko
- Pine
- River Birch
