Native Plants

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Wednesday - January 23, 2008

From: Dammeron Valley, UT
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Deer Resistant, Cacti and Succulents, Herbs/Forbs, Shrubs
Title: Plants that are deer resistant for high desert climate in Utah
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

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 would be good to use?

ANSWER:

This is a tough assignment you have given Mr. Smarty Plants—deer-resistant, high desert plants. Cactus are ideal, of course, and we do have other suggestions for shrubs/small trees and herbaceous plants. Be aware that, except for the cactus, the other plants listed may be browsed by deer when conditions are tough. They are deer-resistant, not deer-proof.

CACTUS

Ferocactus cylindraceus (California barrel cactus)

Echinocereus triglochidiatus (kingcup cactus)

Opuntia basilaris (beavertail pricklypear)

Opuntia phaeacantha (tulip pricklypear)

Opuntia polyacantha (plains pricklypear)

YUCCA

Yucca baccata (banana yucca)

SHRUBS/TREES

Rhus trilobata (skunkbush)

Larrea tridentata (creosote bush)

Lycium andersonii (water jacket) (and a photograph of L. andersonii)