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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Saturday - June 06, 2009
From: Tampa, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Deer resistant groundcover for Tampa, Florida
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in Tampa, FL and have a deer problem. I was wondering if you would give me some suggestions for deer resistant ground covers that are hearty and flower but most of all "DEER RESISTANT"!!! ThanksANSWER:
Below are plants native to Hillsborough County, Florida that have been designated "deer resistant". You should realize, however, that if environmental conditions (such as drought) ilimit the availability of the preferred foods of the deer, then they will eat plants that normally they would avoid. All of these plants are low-growing and some have colorful flowers. Others have more subtle flowers but interesting foliage. Ferns, of course, have no flowers at all, but deer avoid eating them and they make good groundcovers in moist shade.Bacopa monnieri (herb of grace)
Callirhoe involucrata (purple poppymallow)
Coreopsis tinctoria (golden tickseed)
Gaillardia pulchella (firewheel)
Hydrocotyle umbellata (manyflower marshpennywort)
Oenothera speciosa (pinkladies)
Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit)
Viola sororia (common blue violet)
Dryopteris ludoviciana (southern woodfern)
Thelypteris kunthii (Kunth's maiden fern)
Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern)
More Deer Resistant Questions
Groundcover and Butterfly attractants for LaRue Texas
May 02, 2012 - LaRue, TX - Would like a native low growing plant as a groundcover. I would like it for six+ hours of sun, drought tolerant, and ones that butterflies might enjoy, while deer won't. Some winter int...
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant plants for Pittsburgh PA
January 30, 2012 - What shrubs can I plant on a wet slope that gets partial sun that will help control erosion? They need to be something the deer won't eat! We have lots of deer.
view the full question and answer
Are peonies resistant to javelina and deer predation?
March 11, 2009 - Are peonies resistant to javalina and deer predation in Prescott, AZ
view the full question and answer
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
Deer resistant groundcovers in Georgetown, TX
May 20, 2009 - Is silver ponyfoot inviting deer into the yard? What are good alternatives, deer resistant, for large areas of groundcover, 100-200 sq. ft.?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |