Do deer eat wildflowers?

Do deer eat wildflowers? probably not, and for many reasons, we will discuss in this article.

Recently, deer damage has become a severe concern to gardeners all over the U.S. The deer population in the last few years has so increased that it is more common (although disheartening) to see deer plowing through cultivated gardens. To avoid having deer plow through your garden, you must deer-proof your garden. One such is the use of deer-resistant plants.

It also begs the question – do deer eat wildflowers? In this case, deer do not eat generally eat wildflowers, but it depends on the species. For instance, if that particular wildflower is native to the region.

Then you must know that the deer in the region may likely have adapted to that wildflower. Additionally, deer also eat some wildflowers such as white trillium (trillium grandiflorum), wood sorrel (oxalis acetosella) and Canada mayflower (Maianthemum Canadense).

Therefore, we made a list of deer-resistant wildflowers you can use.

Deer Resistant Wildflowers

1. Perennial Lupine (Lupinus Perennis)
2. Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus)
3. Golden Lupine (Lupinus densiflorus)
4. Red Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
5. Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta)
6. Digitalis Purpurea (Foxglove)
7. Eschscholzia Californica (California Poppy)
8. Gaillardia Aristate (Blanket flower)
9. Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
10. Scarlet Sage (Salvia Coccinea)
11. Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus)
12. Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea)
13. Lobularia Maritima (Sweet Alyssum)
14. Black-Eyed Susan
15. Colorado Blue Columbine
16. Bachelor Button
17. Lance Leaf Coreopsis
18. Rocky Mountain Beeplant
19. Lemon Mint
20. Red Mexican Hat

Other deer-resistant plants

You can also look for other plants with strong scents or plants with thick, latex-like sap, plants with prickly thorns or leaves as well as hairy leaves.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that these deer-resistant plants might become delicious food sources for deer if the more desirable ones are scarce. Some other examples include conifers, ornamental grass, artichokes, rhubarb, garlic, onions, cardoon, and many culinary herbs. In general, Deer usually avoid taller sedums such as lavender, rosemary, germander, ceanothus, and Santolina.

Use a comprehensive deer deterrent strategy

Always remember that no one way to deter deer is a long-term strategy. The best you can do is by alternating between strategies and combining every few months. For instance, besides cultivating deer-resistant plants, you can also use deer repellants alongside. Fences are equally effective, especially when you erect two parallel fences, at least 1 feet apart. You can also use an electric fence, but check the local regulations because taking such a step.
Furthermore, netting may also help, especially with individual crops. However, you may have to change the netting as your crops grow to keep everything enclosed within.

Finally, when asked the question – do deer eat wildflowers? – deer may eat wildflowers, but some are less desirable than others. However, if the wildflower is native to the region, then it is okay to assume that deer will eat them. To use wildflowers to deter deer, cultivate exotic species.

Nevertheless, always remember that the less desirable can become a gourmet fare in the future.