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
3 ratings

Friday - September 25, 2009

From: Bastrop, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Evergreen deer resistant shrub for Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I live in Bastrop TX and the deer have decimated the landscaping at the end of our sidewalk. I need to find compact, evergreen shrubs, (flowering would be a bonus), that will do well in shade and grow to be no more than 3'tall - and be deer-resistant.

ANSWER:

Here are several evergreen shrubs that meet at least some of your requirements fairly well:

The first plant that comes to mind is a dwarf cultivar of Morella cerifera (wax myrtle).  These are available in most nurseries.  They will grow in part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun per day) and are moderately deer resistant.  Be sure to ask for the dwarf cultivar; otherwise, you will have a shrub that will grow 6-12 feet high.

Mahonia swaseyi (Texas barberry) grows only to 3 or 4 feet, is highly deer resistant, but prefers full sun.

Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita) grows 3-6 feet high, is highly deer resistant and will grow in part shade.

Nolina texana (Texas sacahuista) is called bear grass, but isn't a grass; instead, it is a member of the Family Liliaceae (Lily Family) that grows to 1.5 to 2 feet.  It is evergreen, highly deer resistant and grows in part shade.

Chrysactinia mexicana (damianita) grows to 1-2 feet and is highly deer resistant, but prefers full sun.

You might consider one of the yuccas.  Without the flower stalk they are usually less than two feet high.  Deer will not usually eat the foliage, but they do love the flower stalks.  Both Yucca rupicola (Texas yucca) and Yucca arkansana (Arkansas yucca) will grow in part shade. 

You can see other recommended choices for plants for Central Texas under "Just for Central Texas" on our Recommended Species page.  There is also a link to Deer Resistant Species on that page under "Special Collections", however there aren't many choices in either list for evergreen shrubs less than 3 feet high.

Here are some photos of the above plants from our Image Gallery:

 

 

More Deer Resistant Questions

Control for slugs and snails in Arisaema triphyllum
June 06, 2007 - I had a beautiful Jack In The Pulpit growing and something has eaten it. What can I do to help prevent that next year? I live in Northwestern PA.
view the full question and answer

Deer resistant plants for wet area in northern California
July 10, 2010 - In Napa/Sonoma/Calif mountains, deer resistant plants, shrubs that tolerate much water and full sun? Area is in 'spring area' and a butterfly bush drowned. Thank you!
view the full question and answer

Deer-resistant plants for Central Texas
July 25, 2011 - I live in a community that is overrun with deer, thanks to neighbors who feed them daily. I am looking for TRUE deer resistant plants for beds...they have eaten my lantana, salvia, esperanza, jasmine...
view the full question and answer

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 groundcover under pine trees
June 07, 2008 - what kind of ground covering can be planted under pine trees (acid soil) that the deer will not eat and will not attract bees?
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.