Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Wednesday - June 22, 2016
From: Bluemont, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Lists, User Comments, Deer Resistant
Title: Deer Resistance Input from Northern VA
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
Hello. I live in the deer infested woods of Northern VA. I am always looking for plants that deer have little interest in to cover other plants. The deer generally have little interest in mints (Pycnanthemum sp) and some Solidago sp. and I have had some luck in using these as cover. I have never seen a mint chewed by deer, yet, in the database it says they are not deer resistant. Could someone correct this? It isn't just a matter of deer in some areas not eating certain species that they eat in other areas..deer simply do not eat mints! This is important to many people like myself who might be searching for pollinator magnets that are deer resistant! No need to answer this question. just asking that the info be edited! Thank-you!ANSWER:
Thanks for the input! Mr Smarty Plants is doing what he can by publishing this comment and bringing it to the attention of the "Powers-that-be".
I did a quick internet check and AdviceFromTheHerbLady.com had pretty much the same input, while GrowOrganic.com was a little less specific.
Now, the Wildflower Center does have a Special Collection list of Natives that are Deer-Resistant. When I reviewed that, I did find Solidago nemoralis (Gray goldenrod) on that list, but you're right - I did not find any Pycnanthemum Sp. on that list.
Still, I'm not the guy that inputs or proofreads those records - but I will let them know!
From the Image Gallery
More Deer Resistant Questions
An evergreen, deer-resistant shrub for Memphis
July 24, 2013 - I need an evergreen, deep to partial shade, deer resistant shrub or tree. Does such a plant exist?
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant plants for New York
May 10, 2009 - My home is near the woods and so we get plenty of deer munching on everything but we also have shade and dappled light in the yard. I need to figure out plants that would thrive under these conditions...
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant plants from New Braunfels TX
August 31, 2012 - I have a 1/2 yard covered by a tree, shady. Bermuda grass previous owner planted has all turned brown this summer. I don't have lots of money to work with but would love to landscape that side of fr...
view the full question and answer
Help! The deer are eating my landscape.
March 14, 2004 - Help! The deer are eating my landscape. Is there anything I can plant that they won’t eat?
view the full question and answer
Deer Resistance and Erosion Control for St. Louis County MO
January 03, 2014 - I am looking for deer and rabbit resistant native plants for erosion control on a steep ravine slope with part sun and part shade in St. Louis County MO.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |