Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Thursday - November 03, 2011
From: Sturgis, SD
Region: Midwest
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Deer Resistant plants in South Dakota
Answered by: Anne Ruggles
QUESTION:
Plants and flowers that deer wont eat and will grow in Black Hills, SDANSWER:
No plant can be guaranteed to be "deer-proof," however; some are less tasty than others. Generally, select plants within the following guidelines:
- Native plants growing in their native habitats may be less appealing to deer than highly fertilized and highly watered Garden plants.
- Deer tend to avoid foliage that is sticky, hairy, feathery, or omits an odor they do not like.
- A hungry deer will find almost any plant palatable.
- Rutting males may also cause problems. They tend to seek out younger trees to rub their antlers on as they come into rut in the early fall. This can damage the bark or deform the tree. Rubbing can be thwarted by placing 4 sturdy stakes on each side of the tree. The deer will move on to a more favorable place to rub.
- Netting can reduce deer damage to small trees.
- Adequate fencing to exclude deer is the only sure way to control deer damage.
The Wildflower Center has a page where you can search for deer-resistant plants by location and characteristic. Make sure to narrow your search (using the parameters on the right side of the page) by location, type of plant, soil moisture, etc.
The South Dakota County Extension Agent for your area may be able to provide you with recommendations for your specific site characteristics.
Colorado Statue University has a several sources available including a paper by C.E. Swift and M.K. Gross. Preventing Deer Damage. This paper includes information on repellants and fencing as well as about deer resistant species.
The Jolly Lane Greenhouses in Rapid City has a good listing of plants that includes characteristics including required light-level, deer resistance, moisture requirement, etc.
More Deer Resistant Questions
What is eating Eve's Necklace in San Marcos TX
June 16, 2011 - A small Styphnolobium affine in my yard is repeatedly being defoliated by something. It courageously leafs out again each time, even in the drought. There is a larger tree nearby that remains untouc...
view the full question and answer
Information about Maui Red Starflower
April 29, 2008 - I can't find any information on MAUI RED STARFLOWER. I found some in Houston Texas & the card says sun, blooms spring to frost, showy bloom, good in clusters.
MY QUESTION was to find out if it is a...
view the full question and answer
Help! The deer are eating my landscape.
March 14, 2004 - Help! The deer are eating my landscape. Is there anything I can plant that they won’t eat?
view the full question and answer
Deer--resistant plants for Great Falls, VA
August 16, 2010 - We have just moved to a house with a rural garden enjoyed by us and the deer. Can you recommend any deer resistant plants for ths location ? ( We have full sun and shade - zip code 22066.
Thanks,
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant trees for privacy in Texas
January 09, 2015 - I need to find a deer resistant tall shrub or tree to plant and hide the deer fence my neighbor just put up on our property line. My property has full sun in parts and mostly shady in other parts and ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |