List of Deer Resistant Plants
The following list of deer resistant plants below includes plants that either deter deer or can handle being browsed by deer. When working with nature in gardening or landscaping it is often helpful to know which plants to consider when deer are a potential concern. Deer can eat a wide variety of plants and will tend towards preferred edible species while avoiding poisonous and less digestible species.
To best cope with deer in your garden or landscape, consider the availability of wild foods – when wild foods aren't available deer will seek out new food sources. Also, there are less wild foods available in winter, which can bring deer onto your property at that time of year. A garden planted with deer resistant plants around the perimeter can help discourage them from entering. Try choosing species from this list of deer resistant plants:
Helpful List of Deer Resistant Plants
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Deciduous Trees
Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Shrubs Perennial Flowers Ground Covers Annual Flowers Annual Flowers Garden Herbs |
You can utilize species from this list of deer resistant plants as part of finding ways to coexist with your local deer and other herbivorous wildlife. Fencing around specific garden areas can also provide a very effective means to keeping deer from browsing important food crops. There are also many more potential plant species than just those found on this list of deer resistant plants. For more information regarding deer resistant plants in your region, talk to your local fish and wildlife department or local native plant nursery.
By the way, a big part of why we love homesteading & permaculture skills so much is because they are a natural extension of learning about wilderness survival (both fields are all about self-sufficiency and working with nature to satisfy needs). An understanding of survival not only helps you become a better permaculturist, it empowers you with life-saving outdoor skills to keep you safe when out in nature. Right now you can get a free copy of our mini survival guide here, where you'll discover six key strategies for outdoor emergencies, plus often-overlooked survival tips.
Further Resources:
Plants that Deer Do Not Like to Eat
Related Courses:
Permaculture Courses at Alderleaf
About the Author: Filip Tkaczyk is a periodic guest teacher at Alderleaf. He also wrote the field guide Tracks & Sign of Reptiles & Amphibians. Learn more about Filip Tkaczyk.
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