Determining what deer won't eat is like observing a child at a ALL-U-CAN-EAT restaurant.

It is said that deer populations have increased greatly because their natural predators are scarce.  Though true of wolves, it is not true of humans.  But humans don't like deer hunting in their neighborhoods, so deer graze happily in suburban landscapes.

Many times I've offered my observations about deer-resistant plants only to have someone exclaim, "They ate mine TO THE GROUND!"  I'm beginning to think that determining what deer eat is like determining what children eat by observing one of them at a ALL-U-CAN-EAT restaurant.  "Okay," you carefully note, "they only eat macaroni and cheese, hamburger, french fries and blue squiggly dessert."  But you'll observe that the child will choose something else (maybe fried chicken, chocolate cake, and maraschino cherries OFF THE FLOOR) if those aren't in view, and even white dinner rolls and butter-soaked green beans if hungry enough and pressed to the limit.

Ironically, children might eat pieces of toys, dangerous fungi, dirt and even . . . if left alone in the yard.  I shudder to think.

Here, then, for your consideration is a partial and possibly erroneous list of perennials and groundcovers that observant folk think deer don't like to eat.  Be skeptical.  Very hungry deer will eat almost any plant, but these they prefer apparently to leave off the menu.  The descriptions are brief.  But I hope this will stimulate your thinking.

Abelia x 'Rose Creek.  This is a lovely mounding shrub that makes a terrific groundcover when planted in groups.  Evergreen foliage on red stems.  Produces loads of attractive white flowers throughout the growing season.  Grows 24" to 36" in height.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.

Acaena inermis.  Also known as New Zealand Bur.  Best varieties are 'Purpurea' and 'Blue Haze'.  Evergreen foliage of 'Purpurea' turns red in full sun.  Foliage of 'Blue Haze is blue-gray color.  Creamy white flowers in early summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-9.  Grows to 6" in height.

Achillea spp.  Also known as Yarrow.  Fragrant gray-green lacy foliage. White, rose, yellow, gold flower clusters from mid to late summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-10.  Grows to 36" in height according to species.

Acorus gramineus.  Also known as Sweet Flag.  Green to variegated grassy foliage.  Moist soils.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6 to 10.  Dwarf forms available.  Grows 3" (dwarf) to 12" in height.

Actaea racemosa.  Also known as Bugbane.  Fern-like foliage.  Frothy white flower plumes on 5' stalks in summer.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.

Ajuga reptans.  Also known as Carpet Bugleweed.  Bronze to variegated foliage.  Blue flowers on short spikes in spring.  Full sun to full shade.  USDA climate zones 3-9.  Well-drained soil.  Grows to under 6".

Alchemilla mollis.  Also known as Lady's Mantle.  Rounded foliage in neat clump.  Yellow-green flowers summer to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Grows to 12" in height.

Ardisia japonica.  Also known as Japanese Marlberry.  Glossy, evergreen foliage.  Pink and white flowers followed by red berries.  Light shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Grows 8" to 12" in height.

Arisaema triphyllum.  Also known as Jack-In-The-Pulpit.  Hooded flowers in shades of brown, purple and green appear spring-summer, followed by red berries.  Woodland plant.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 12" in height.

Asarum spp.  Also known as Wild Ginger.  Fragrant heart-shaped foliage with veining.  Groundcover for woodland.  Moist, organic soil.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 4-9, depending on specie.  Grows to 6" in height.

Asclepias tuberosa.  Also known as Butterfly Weed.  Clusters of bright orange flowers attract butterflies in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-10.  Grows to 24" in height.

Aspidistra elatior.  Also known as Cast Iron Plant.  Also suitable as a house plant.  Glossy evergreen foliage held upright.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Very tough.  Tropical in appearance.  Grows 24" to 36" in height.  Dwarf and variegated varieties are occasionally available.

Aster spp.  Small, colorful, daisy-like flowers late summer to fall.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9 and height varies according to species.

Astilbe spp and hybrids.  Also known as False Spirea.  Frothy flower plumes in colors ranging from white, pinks, reds, lavenders.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Height varies according to species.

Carex spp.  Also known as Japanese Sedge.  Evergreen, grass-like foliage green or variegated.  Mounding to spreading habit. Moist soil.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows to 12" in height.

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides.  Also known as Plumbago.  Deciduous green foliage turns burgundy to scarlet in fall.  Deep blue flowers summer to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-10.  Grows to 12" in height.

Cotoneaster spp.  Pronounced "co TOE nee aster."  Spreading groundcover shrubs.  Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage.  Small flowers like apple blossoms in spring followed by pink or red fruit.  Full sun to light shade in USDA climate zones from 4-10 and height to 18" depending upon species.

Chrysogonum virginianum 'Pierre'.  Also known as Green and Gold.  Yellow flowers over green foliage.  Full sun to partial shade.  USDA climate zones 5-9.  Moist soil.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.

Coreopsis spp. and hybrids.  Also known as Tickseed.  Deciduous oval to thread-like foliage with daisy-like flowers in yellow or pink in summer.  Full sun to light shade in USDA climate zones and height to 8" to 18" depending upon species.

Delosperma spp.  Also known as Ice Plant.  Succulent foliage and yellow or dark purplish aster-like flowers in spring and summer.  Low, spreading habit.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-10 and height to 5" depending upon species.

Dianthus gratianopolitanus and hybrids.  Blue-gray evergreen foliage to semi-evergreen foliage with small, pink to red carnation-like flowers in spring and summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.

Dicentra spp.  Also known as Dutchman's Breeches or Bleeding Heart.  Beautiful cut-leaf gray-green foliage with waxy white, pink or red blooms of unique forms beginning in spring.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows from 12" to 30" according to species and varieties.

Echinacea purpurea and hybrids.  Also known as Coneflower.  Pink/purple, white, orange or yellow flowers spring to late summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-8.  Grows 18" to 48" in height according to species.

Euonymus fortunei.  Also known as Wintercreeper.  Shrubby groundcovers will also climb.  Evergreen foliage.  'Coloratus' foliage turns purplish in winter.  'Gracilus' foliage is variegated with white margins and pink blush.  'Kewensis' with glossy green foliage only 1/4" across grows to 3" height.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows 8" to 24" tall as a groundcover (excepting 'Kewensis'); higher if climbing.

Ferns.  Many species of ferns are distasteful to deer.

Ficus pumila.  Also known as Creeping Fig.  Green or variegated foliage.  Climbs well on vertical surfaces.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 8b-10.  Grows from 1/2" to 1 1/2" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Helleborus x hybridus.  Syn. H. orientalis.  Also known as Lenten Rose.  2005 Perennial Plant of the Year.  Clumping perennial with exotic white to pink flowers winter to spring.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 3-10.

Hypericum calycinum.  Also known as St. John's Wort or Aaron's Beard.  Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage with buttery yellow foliage in spring with some re-bloom into summer.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows 12" to 18" in height.

Iris spp.  Among them are Bearded or German Iris, Siberian Iris, Rooftop Iris.  Green to gray-green sword-like foliage and regal blooms in vast array of colors from spring to summer.  Spreads by rhizomes.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-10 and grows to 24" in height according to species.

Lamiastrum galeobdolon.  Also known as Yellow Archangel.  Evergreen silver-variegated foliage with yellow flowers in spring.  Spreading groundcover.  Full sun to shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows to 15" in height.

Lantana spp. and hybrids.  Deciduous to evergreen, depending upon climate zone.  Upright to spreading shrubby perennial.  Fragrant foliage and clusters of often multi-colored flowers spring until frost.  Flower color ranges from white, yellow, orange, pink, lilac, purple, red.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 7 - 11 and grows 12" to 60" in height according to species.

Lavandula angustifolia.  Also known as Lavender.  Compact shrub-like perennial with fragrant evergreen grayish foliage.  Fragrant lavender to purple flowers summer to fall.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Prefers alkaline soil with low fertility.  Grows 18" to 20" in height.

Leucanthemum x. superbum 'Becky'.  Also known as Shasta Daisy.  2003 Perennial Plant of the Year.  White daisys with yellow centers from summer to fall.  Full sun to light shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 36" in height.

Nepeta spp. and hybrids.  Also known as Catmint.  Many species are perennials.  Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is favored, 2007 Perennial Of The Year.  Heart-shaped, gray-green foliage with purple flowers from late spring to frost.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-7.  'Walker's Low' grows 30" to 36" in height.

Ophiopogon spp.  Also known as Mondo Grass.  Evergreen, black-green to variegated leaf blades 1/8" wide.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows 3" to 8" in height according to variety.

Perovskia atriplicifolia.  Also known as Russian Sage.  1995 Perennial Plant Of The Year.  Deciduous to sem-evergreen shrubby perennial.  Fragrant gray-green foliage.  Ethereal light blue flowers from mid-summer to fall.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows 24" ('Little Spire') to 36" in height.

Phlox nivalis 'Eco Flirtie Eyes'.  Also known as Trailing Phlox or Florida Phlox.  Trailing habit.  Evergreen, needle-shaped foliage.  Pink to lavender flowers in early spring.  Long bloom period.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Grows to 10" in height and spreads 24" to 36".

Phlox subulata.  Also known as Thrift or Creeping Phlox.  Pink, red, white, lavender flowers in early spring.  Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 4" to 6" in height.  Medium tolerance for foot traffic.

Parthenocissus spp.  Includes Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper.  Deciduous vines that quickly cover walls.  Great for unsightly road-side sound barriers.  3- to 5-lobed foliage turns burgundy to orange in fall.  Full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 3 or 4-9 according to species.  Grows 60' or more in height.

Rosmarinus officinalis.  Also known as Rosemary.  Evergreen, fragrant, needle-like foliage.  White, pink or light blue flowers repeatedly.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 7-10.  Grows to 48" in height.

Rubus calycinoides.  Also known as Creeping Raspberry.  Green, puckered foliage.  Evergreen.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 2".

Rudbeckia fulgida var. 'Goldsturm'.  1999 Perennial Plant Of The Year.  Also known as Black Eyed Susan or Gloriosa Daisy.  Yellow daisy-like blooms with deep brown centers from mid-summer to fall.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 5-9.  Prefers moist soil, but tolerates drought.  Grows 24" to 36" in height.

Salvia nemorosa.  Also known as Perennial Sage.  Favorite varieties include 'Blue Hill' or 'Blauhugel', 'Caradonna' (2000 International hardy Plant Union Award), 'East Friesland' or 'Ostfriesland', 'Marcus' (PP# 13322), 'May Night' or 'Mainact' (1997 Perennial Plant Of The Year), 'Pink Friesland' (PPAF), and 'Snow Hill'.  Deep green to gray-green foliage with long-lasting flowers in shades from white, pink and purple.  Long-lasting blooms from late spring.  Re-bloom after cutting.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-8.  Grows to 18" in height.

Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'.  2000 Perennial Plant Of The Year.  Also known as Pincushion Flower.  Light blue flowers from summer to fall.  Cutting increases blooming.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 3-9.  Grows 12" to 18" in height.

Sedum spp.  Also known as Moss or Stonecrop.  Succulent foliage of various shapes and colors.  Flowers in shades from yellow, pink to red.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9 and grows from 4" to 30" according to species.

Thymus spp.  Also known as Thyme.  Aromatic, evergreen foliage, green to variegated.  Lilac, white, pink, red flowers in summer.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows to 4" according to species.

Trachelospermum asiaticum.  Also known as Asiatic Jasmine.  Glossy, evergreen foliage.  Tolerates full sun to shade in USDA climate zones 7-9.  Grows 6" to 12" in height.  Spreading vine.

Verbena spp and hybrids.  Aromatic green foliage with large clusters of red, pink, purple flowers spring through fall.  Spreading habit.  Full sun in USDA climate zones 6-10.  Grows to 12" in height according to species.

Veronica penduncularis 'Georgia Blue.'  Evergreen foliage turns bronze in fall.  Blue flowers in spring.  Full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 4-9.  Grows 3" to 6".

Vinca major and V. minor.  Also known as Periwinkle.  Evergreen green to variegated foliage.  Vine-like and fast-spreading.  Usually trailing habit.  Blue, burgundy, white flowers in spring continuing but with fewer blooms into fall.  Partial to full shade in USDA climate zones 6-9.  Grows 8" to 18" in height according to species.

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Copyright, Marshall's Farm, 2008.