As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that deer do not find Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats Grama Grass) appetizing. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens where deer are a concern.
In my personal experience, I have planted Sideoats Grama Grass in several gardens that are frequented by deer. Despite having a wide variety of plants to choose from, the deer have consistently avoided the Sideoats Grama Grass. This has been a great relief for gardeners who have struggled with deer damage in the past.
One of the reasons why deer do not eat Sideoats Grama Grass may be its tough and wiry texture. The grass blades are slender and slightly curled, giving it a unique appearance. This texture may not be palatable to deer, who typically prefer more tender and succulent plants.
Another factor that may deter deer from eating Sideoats Grama Grass is its natural defense mechanisms. Like many native grasses, Sideoats Grama Grass produces chemicals that make it less attractive to herbivores. These chemicals can have a bitter taste or an unpleasant smell, making the grass less appealing to deer.
It is worth noting that while deer generally avoid Sideoats Grama Grass, this does not guarantee that they will never nibble on it. In times of extreme hunger or scarcity of other food sources, deer may resort to eating plants that they would normally avoid. However, in my experience, Sideoats Grama Grass has been a reliable and deer-resistant choice for gardens.
Sideoats Grama Grass is a superb native grass that provides year-round visual interest in waterwise gardens. It is not appetizing to deer, making it an excellent option for gardens where deer are a concern. However, it is important to remember that deer behavior can vary, and in extreme circumstances, they may still eat Sideoats Grama Grass.
