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
Friday - March 08, 2013
From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pests, Deer Resistant, Shrubs, Trees
Title: Do Deer Eat Orchid Trees?
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
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?ANSWER:
Anacacho orchid trees (Bauhinia lunarioides) are trees that have a high resistance to deer. But deer will eat anything when they get hungry enough.
Bauhinia lunarioides is on our list of deer-resistant species. Few plants are completely deer resistant, though. Several factors influence deer browsing including the density of the deer population, environmental conditions such as drought, and plant palatability. Deer tend to avoid plants with aromatic foliage, tough leathery and/or hairy or prickly leaves or plants with milky latex or sap. It is worth trying Bauhinia to minimize deer damage to your landscape.
Bill Ward of the Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas has the following comments about orchid trees and deer,“Some people say the Bauhinia is deer-resistant. I don’t know if our subdivision deer munch on orchid trees, because ours are caged. Even if the deer don’t browse orchid-trees, these plants are just the right size for rutting bucks to batter with their antlers. And in our neighborhood, November is the prime time for bucks to do battle with shrubs and trees. I’ll cage any Anacacho orchid tree I plant in our yard.” He does have many compliments for this native tree. He says, “Judging from where it grows naturally, the Anacacho orchid tree is drought-resistant and prefers well-drained calcareous soil. Our orchid trees are planted in well-drained and sunny spots. Of course, I have to water them regularly the first couple of summers to get them well established. However, it’s been many years since I watered our oldest orchid tree at all. It’s a tough little tree."
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Plants for northern exposure in Wichita, KS
March 17, 2009 - What are good plants for the north side of the house with acidic soil in Zone 6, Wichita, KS?
view the full question and answer
Failure to bloom of lantanas in San Antonio
July 22, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
We have lantanas in our front yard. This summer the leaves have turned white and they die to a brown color all the while the leaves are "crispy". At the beginning of the season...
view the full question and answer
Lippia alba for sale at Wildflower Center
June 09, 2013 - Do you have this plant for sale Lippia Alba. thanks
view the full question and answer
Darkened leaves on blueberry bush
July 02, 2008 - I have a blueberry bush planted in a very large pot. It has been doing very well, producing berries and new growth.
All of a sudden the leaves have begun to turn dark.
I have it potted in good soil...
view the full question and answer
Wintering a Lemon Cypress tree in Eagan MN
September 29, 2009 - I Have a 2 1/2' Lemon Cypress Tree. I'm wondering if I can leave it outdoors for the winter, if not, how would I winter over indoors?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |