Do deer eat obedient plant?

As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is relatively deer resistant. While no plant is completely immune to deer browsing, obedient plant tends to be low on their preference list. This means that deer are less likely to eat obedient plant compared to other plants in your garden.

Deer are known for their voracious appetites and can cause significant damage to gardens and landscapes. However, obedient plant has some natural defenses that make it less appealing to deer. One of these defenses is its fragrance. The fragrant flowers of obedient plant emit a scent that can deter deer from feeding on it. This is because deer have a keen sense of smell and are often deterred by strong scents.

Another reason why deer may not eat obedient plant is its texture. The leaves of obedient plant are slightly fuzzy, which can make them less palatable to deer. Deer typically prefer tender, succulent foliage, and the fuzzy leaves of obedient plant may not be as appealing to them.

Additionally, obedient plant is not typically a preferred food source for deer. They tend to go for plants that are more appealing in taste and texture. Obedient plant may simply not be as tasty to deer as other plants in your garden.

However, it is important to note that deer behavior can vary depending on factors such as population density, availability of food, and environmental conditions. While obedient plant is generally considered deer resistant, there is no guarantee that deer will not eat it in all situations.

To further protect your obedient plant from deer browsing, you can consider implementing some additional measures. One option is to use deer repellents, which come in various forms such as sprays, granules, or motion-activated devices. These repellents typically contain ingredients that are unpleasant to deer, such as garlic or predator urine. Applying these repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions can help deter deer from feeding on your plants.

Another option is to create physical barriers around your obedient plant. This can be done by installing a deer fence or using individual plant protectors. These barriers can help prevent deer from accessing your plants and minimize the risk of damage.

In my personal experience, I have found obedient plant to be relatively untouched by deer in my garden. While deer have occasionally nibbled on other plants, they have generally avoided obedient plant. This has allowed me to enjoy the beautiful flowers and fragrance of obedient plant without worrying about deer damage.

Obedient plant is considered relatively deer resistant. Its fragrance, fuzzy leaves, and taste may deter deer from feeding on it. However, it is important to remember that deer behavior can vary, and there is no guarantee that deer will not eat obedient plant in all situations. Implementing additional measures such as using deer repellents or physical barriers can further protect your obedient plant from deer browsing.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.