Ferns are highly deer resistant, making them a popular choice for shaded gardens in areas with high deer populations. Deer usually bypass ferns in favor of more palatable forage. However, classifying ferns as completely “deer-proof” is an oversimplification, as consumption depends on the fern’s characteristics and environmental pressures. Understanding why deer avoid most ferns and recognizing exceptions helps gardeners select successful plantings.
The General Rule: Why Deer Avoid Most Ferns
The primary reasons deer avoid fern species involve both the plant’s physical structure and its chemical composition. Most mature fern fronds possess a tough, fibrous, or leathery texture that is unappealing and difficult for deer to chew and digest. This structural property means the fern offers a low-value meal requiring significant effort to consume. Beyond the texture, many ferns contain compounds that taste bitter or are mildly toxic, serving as an internal defense mechanism. This combination of an unpleasant texture and a bitter flavor usually conditions the deer to seek out other food sources.
Important Exceptions: Fern Varieties Deer May Browse
While most ferns are untouched, a few varieties present exceptions due to a softer texture or desirable early-season growth. The Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is the most notable example; while mature plants are resistant, its new growth is vulnerable. The tightly coiled emerging fronds, known as fiddleheads, are tender enough to be browsed by deer in the early spring. Similarly, softer-textured ferns, such as the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum), may be more susceptible to exploratory browsing. This browsing happens early in the season before the fronds harden off, providing a brief window of vulnerability.
Contextual Factors Influencing Deer Feeding
The classification of any plant as “deer resistant” is relative and heavily influenced by the surrounding environment and the availability of preferred food. Deer are opportunistic feeders and will abandon normal preferences during periods of severe food scarcity, such as harsh winters or prolonged drought. When primary food sources are depleted, deer will consume nearly any available vegetation, including plants they typically avoid. High deer population density also increases browsing pressure, forcing deer to compete for and consume less desirable species. Furthermore, deer may sample young plants before their chemical defenses or tough textures fully develop, leading to initial damage. For these reasons, no plant is truly “deer-proof,” and even resistant ferns may occasionally be browsed under extreme circumstances.