Explore Plants

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

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
Not Yet Rated

Friday - August 12, 2011

From: Casper, WY
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Pests, Drought Tolerant
Title: Antelope Resistant Plants for Casper, Wyoming
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson

QUESTION:

What are some drought resistant, full-sun plants for Wyoming that are Antelope resistant - Deer are not much of a problem, but antelope are!

ANSWER:

We can certainly suggest some native, drought-resistant, full sun plants.  Antelope resistant seems to be a much harder question!

So, lets take the easy one first.   If you go to our "Recommended Species" page, you can select Wyoming as the state of interest.  Then you can also narrow your search by selecting "full sun" and "dry".  This still left 48 species to consider when I tried it. 

As I mentioned above, antelope resistance is not in the data that is often attached to plant descriptions.  I did find two resources that might be helpful.  There was an article in the Journal of Wildlife Management that discusses antelope forage. It said that they prefer Grass in the Spring, and Black Sagebrush in Fall/Winter. Sadly, they concluded "succulence appears to be the major characteristic  of the forage sought by antelope".  Which means to me that if it is green & healthy, they will like it!  I also found an Extension Bulletin that listed food habits and actual species.  The one thing I noticed was that they prefer shorter plants, 15" or less, and avoided plantings with foliage 30" or greater.  I've put images of three candidates for you, 30" tall or higher and adapted to hot & dry conditions below.

I hope that helps a little bit.  You probably could do well to consult local experts.  The University of Wyoming supports Extension Offices in most of the Counties.  The Natona County Expension Office should be local to you.

 

From the Image Gallery


Saskatoon serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia

More Pests Questions

Fighting ants and bugs in Richardson TX
September 01, 2010 - Before my blue fall asters and my Clara Curtis (perennial) mums bloom in a few weeks, what can I do to help prevent the ants and other bugs from eating them to death- so I can enjoy them a bit longer ...
view the full question and answer

Problems with non-native yellow lantana from Elgin TX
June 17, 2012 - Why do my yellow lantana buds turn brown and do not open fully? The sprinkler system does not spray onto the lantana.
view the full question and answer

What is hollowing out my rosebuds in Austin, TX?
April 28, 2012 - I recently noticed some of my rose buds had been hollowed out from the inside. I have seen no evidence of insect though. What do you think it is and how can I treat the problem?
view the full question and answer

When should cochineal bugs be on prickly pear cactus?
January 05, 2012 - I am a fibers artist that would like to harvest the cochineal bugs from the prickly pear cactus. I would like to know what time of year should I expect to find the cochineal bugs around the Austin ar...
view the full question and answer

Catalpa and maple with dying branches in Wisconsin
July 07, 2008 - We have a northern catalpa in our front yard. It's been there for about three years now and is probably 25' high. This year it appeared to be doing great. It flowered and then all of sudden last ...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile 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.