Native Plants
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.
rate this answer
Thursday - November 07, 2013
From: Kerrville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Are there plants that are resistant to axis deer?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Greetings! I live about 10 miles south of Kerrville, Texas, toward Medina. I wish to begin planting more natives on a plot we have recently purchased. Some plants will go inside a fence that deer will not enter. Outside the fence, the plants must be able to survive a nightly visit from approximately 12 Axis, as well as some white-tail deer & cotton-tail rabbits. I've also seen black-buck antelope in the area for the first time recently. In doing research on deer-resistant plants, I have found loads of resources for white-tail resistant plants. For axis, I have found nothing. Is there a good list you know of for axis-resistant plants, native to the Texas Hill Country, of course :0)ANSWER:
The good news for you is that, as it turns out, Axis axis [synonym = Cervus axis] (Axis deer or chital) feed predominantly on grasses. They will browse (e.g., in Texas, live oak, hackberry and sumac) to supplement the grasses when they are scarce. To many people, axis deer meat has the best flavor of any wild game. This is attributed to the fact that they graze on grasses and do not usually browse on forbs, shrubs or trees. Now, if you are visited by white-tail deer, it's a different story. They are mainly browsers and very seldom eat grasses. You can read our Deer Resistant Species list and, as you doubtless know, there are other lists that you can find on the internet.
More Deer Resistant Questions
Wildflowers for deer resistance, low sun, granite gravel soil
March 21, 2007 - We live on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill country. What would you suggest for a flowerbed next to the house: north exposure, deer resistant, blooming, shaded by a live oak, granite gravel soil. Tha...
view the full question and answer
Keeping deer away from non-native plants in Lansing MI
June 22, 2011 - What is the real - best way to keep deer from eating my Hostas, Garden phlox and lilies? Ive tried the stinky spray and the fertilizer granules that deter, to no avail.
view the full question and answer
Barrier Planting in Boston
January 29, 2013 - I live in the Boston area and a school is being built right behind my property. The school kindly left me a 100' barrier that includes some 40' high pines, a couple of tall oaks and some spindly po...
view the full question and answer
Will deer eat bellflowers?
August 10, 2014 - Are deer attracted to the bellflower? Will they eat it?
view the full question and answer
Shady Perennial Groundcover Suggestions for Indiana
April 21, 2013 - Could you please recommend perennial groundcovers for Indiana that are low and leafy, self-spreading, non-invasive, deer resistant, and moisture tolerant; and that are good for erosion control on a sh...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |