Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Sunday - May 06, 2007
From: Colton, OR
Region: Northwest
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Deer-resistant native plants for Oregon
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have 21 acres of timber property in Oregon. We are converting part of that property to residential and I would like to plant wild flowers. I want to make sure I only plants native to Oregon and wondered if you had any suggestions. Also, I would like some plants that are not likely to be eaten by deer as we have many deer in our areaANSWER:
Please realize that few, if any, plants can be called deer-proof. If the deer are having trouble finding their preferred plants, they will often eat plants that normally they wouldn't find palatable. Oregon State University Extension Service has a list of Deer-resistant Ornamental Plants, but you should be aware that many on the list are not native.That said, here are some recommended plants native to Clackamas County, Oregon that are deer-resistant.
Aconitum columbianum (Columbian monkshood)
Aquilegia formosa (western columbine)
Oxalis oregana (redwood-sorrel)
Delphinium glaucum (Sierra larkspur) and Delphinium nuttallianum (twolobe larkspur)
Lupinus polyphyllus (bigleaf lupine), Lupinus latifolius (broadleaf lupine) and Lupinus bicolor (miniature lupine)
Trillium ovatum (Pacific trillium)
Plants in the Family Lamiaceae (Mint Family) are generally avoided by deer. The following are members of that family that are native to Clackamas County:
Stachys chamissonis (coastal hedgenettle)
Prunella vulgaris (common selfheal)
Scutellaria galericulata (marsh skullcap)
Monardella odoratissima (mountain monardella)
Here are a few other good candidates from the Family Asteraceae (Aster Family):
Senecio integerrimus (lambstongue ragwort) and Senecio triangularis (arrowleaf ragwort)
Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod) and Solidago simplex (Mt. Albert goldenrod)
You could experiment with other species that you commonly see in your area in abundance. Chances are the deer either don't much care for them or they produce so many plants the deer can't decimate them.
More Deer Resistant Questions
Deer deterrent for Texas Persimmon
September 23, 2004 - The deer have destroyed my Texas Persimmon by standing on their hind legs and pulling down the branches--either ripping them off entirely or twisting them. I didn't realize the persimmon fruit would...
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant groundcovers for erosion control
September 26, 2012 - I need a ground cover (vine??) that will help me with erosion on a sloped front yard. It gets about 6-8 hours of sun and my main need is for something that the rats in our neighborhood will not destro...
view the full question and answer
Specifications for a property in Corning CA
March 29, 2012 - Drought resistant, deer resistant, low growing (ground cover), and shade tolerant request:
I am looking for a variety of species that not only fit the above preferences, but also a few other things. ...
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant plants for South Carolina
December 09, 2005 - I have purchased a home in SC in an area that is overun with deer. What flowering plants for that area do deer not eat.
view the full question and answer
Are peonies resistant to javelina and deer predation?
March 11, 2009 - Are peonies resistant to javalina and deer predation in Prescott, AZ
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
