Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

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
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

Wednesday - March 25, 2015

From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Deer Resistant
Title: Are Verbena Annuals Deer Resistant?
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

Are Verbena Estrella Pink Star annuals deer resistant?

ANSWER:

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station have the following to say about deer resistant plants and Verbena hybrida cultivars ... 

Realizing that no plant is deer proof, plants in the Rarely Damaged, and Seldom Severely Damaged categories would be best for landscapes prone to deer damage. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. Verbena are listed as being "seldom severely damaged."

For a list of deer resistant native species (or as much as can be), take a look at the Native Plants Special Collections web page at www.wildflower.org.

Few plants are completely deer resistant. Several factors influence deer browsing including the density of the deer population, environmental conditions such as drought, and plant palatability. Deer tend to avoid plants with aromatic foliage, tough leathery and/or hairy or prickly leaves or plants with milky latex or sap.

 

More Deer Resistant Questions

Plants that are deer resistant for high desert climate in Utah
January 23, 2008 - We are building in a high desert climate in Dammeron Valley, Utah. We want plants that are both deer resistant and require little watering. Can you advise which plants (shrubs, flowers, cacti) that ...
view the full question and answer

Deer-resistant evergreens for southern CT.
October 05, 2009 - We live on a deer path in southern Connecticut. What native evergreen tree can we plant which will not be eaten to death by the deer?
view the full question and answer

Groundcover for Maryland Slope in Deer Country
July 03, 2016 - I have a 20-30% grade hill in Maryland. I am looking for a groundcover plant (for example ivy) that I can plant on the hill. I have the following issues: clay soil, deer, full sun, limited water sourc...
view the full question and answer

Bur oak bark damage done by deer
February 03, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Just noticed that deer have been rubbing the bark on good sized, but young, bur oaks planted last spring. Mostly in one spot on one side of the trunk. Will this kill the ...
view the full question and answer

Deer-resistant plants for a steep hillside in Allison Park PA
July 30, 2010 - What do you recommend for a steep hillside, mostly shade and acidic? The deer have eaten everything except the weeds.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.