University of Wisconsin - Extension

In a matter of moments, a hungry deer can destroy a prized garden specimen, taking with it the time spent selecting, planting and caring for the plant, according to Laura Jull, University of Wisconsin-Extension Woody Ornamental Specialist.

Jull is the author of a new publication, "Plants Not Favored by Deer" (A3727), which is a useful resource for selecting plants that deer don?t seem to bother. The list of plants includes deciduous trees, evergreens, vines, shrubs, groundcovers, bulbs, herbaceous perennials, annuals, herbs and grasses. Plants listed range from Colorado blue spruce and beech trees, to forsythia, yarrow and fountain grass.

"Deer damage to plants is the result of an increasing deer population trying to survive in a shrinking natural habitat," Jull said.

As food becomes scarce - particularly in winter and early spring - deer seek out alternative food sources such as ornamental plants grown near woodlands. Feeding damage can kill young plants and permanently ruin the shape of mature plants.

How can you avoid deer browsing?

"If deer are hungry enough," said Jull, "they will eat almost anything. However, there are a number of woody and herbaceous plants that deer usually don?t find appealing."

Because deer preferences may vary by region, Jull recommends noting which plants they seem to favor or avoid in your yard or neighborhood and plant accordingly. And remember that in severe conditions, all plants are vulnerable to deer browsing.

Plantings are also vulnerable to damage caused in the fall by bucks rubbing their antlers along tree trunks and branches. For information on how to protect plants from this type of damage, see the UW-Extension publication "Controlling Deer Damage in Wisconsin" (G3083).

For more information on these and other horticulture publications, visit the Urban Agriculture/Horticulture Team's Web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort or contact Laura Jull at 608-262-1450, or e-mail to lgjull@facstaff.wisc.edu. Both publications are available from UW-Extension Publications and can be viewed online at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/.