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
Sunday - June 28, 2009
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Deer resistant plants for erosion control on steep hill
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I would like control a steep hill behind my house that is red clay, northern exposure with little sun. What plants would you recommend that deer will not eat?ANSWER:
Grasses are ideal for erosion control because of their extensive fibrous root systems. Additionally, deer rarely eat grasses. Below are grasses native to Pennsylvania that will grow in clay soils in part shade (2 to 6 hours of sun per day).Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama)
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)
Deer also rarely eat ferns and ferns are ideally suited for shady sites. Here are a few that are native to Pennsylvania.
Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern)
Pteridium aquilinum (western brackenfern)
Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern)
Here are other plants that you could add to the grass or fern mix that are native to Pennsylvania and deer resistant.
Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)
Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed)
Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot)
Oenothera speciosa (pinkladies)
Ratibida columnifera (upright prairie coneflower)
Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit)
Solidago nemoralis (gray goldenrod)
More Deer Resistant Questions
Need a deer resistant plant that will grow in clay soil in Missouri.
June 22, 2009 - I need a plant or bush that is deer resistant and that will grow in clay soil. Can you help me?
view the full question and answer
Deer and Drought Resistant Natives for San Marcus, Texas
February 15, 2012 - Hi there,
Do you have a list of plants and ground covers (deer/drought resistant) for the San Marcos area? Much as I love grass, it's impossible with this drought. I'd love to have lots of flowers ...
view the full question and answer
Native, deer-resistant evergreen trees for Rhode Island
March 17, 2008 - What deer proof evergreens can I plant in RI that may make nice xmas trees in a few years?
view the full question and answer
Do Deer Eat Orchid Trees?
March 08, 2013 - I have planted three anacacho orchid trees, however we have a lot of deer around us. Is this a tree they will want to eat? Do you have any ideas to keep deer away?
view the full question and answer
Deer eating Non-native Asiatic Jasmine in Georgetown, TX
October 22, 2015 - Is there a spray or granular material that will prevent deer from eating asiatic jasmine?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |