Forget-me-nots (Myosotis) are popular garden plants cherished for their dense clusters of small, sky-blue flowers that bloom profusely in the spring. Gardeners must contend with the possibility of local wildlife browsing on their efforts. The presence of white-tailed deer in both suburban and rural areas necessitates a careful selection of plants. Understanding how these foraging animals interact with the foliage is the first step in designing a resilient planting strategy.
Forget-Me-Nots and Deer Palatability
Forget-me-nots are consistently classified as deer-resistant plants, meaning they are seldom chosen by foraging deer as a primary food source. This aversion is rooted in the plant’s physical characteristics, which make the foliage unpalatable. The leaves and stems of Myosotis species are covered in fine, bristly hairs, giving them a fuzzy texture that deer generally find irritating to their mouths. This tactile deterrent is a common reason deer pass over the plant for a smoother-leafed option.
Deer are highly selective eaters and favor plants with soft, succulent, and highly nutritious foliage. While the plant is not known to be toxic, its rough texture, combined with a likely bitter taste, strongly discourages browsing. The coarse texture acts as an immediate physical signal that the plant is not worth the effort. Therefore, these plants tend to remain untouched when plenty of other food is available.
Variables Affecting Deer Feeding Habits
The term “deer-resistant” is not a guarantee of “deer-proof” status, as a plant’s vulnerability can change drastically based on environmental conditions. Deer feeding habits are subject to external pressures that can override their natural food preferences. High deer population density leads to increased competition, forcing animals to be less selective and sample plants they would normally avoid.
Severe weather conditions, such as prolonged drought or heavy snow cover, significantly reduce the availability of preferred forage. When deer face starvation, they will consume nearly any green material to survive, including plants with unappealing textures or tastes. Young deer, or fawns, also taste a wider variety of plants than mature adults, sometimes nibbling on resistant species out of curiosity. This means that even a highly resistant planting can be damaged under duress.
Non-Chemical Methods for Plant Protection
For gardeners whose forget-me-nots are still being browsed, non-chemical intervention methods can offer effective protection. Physical exclusion is the most reliable method, often involving temporary fencing or garden netting to create a barrier around vulnerable plants. Since forget-me-nots are low-growing, a simple, short section of wire mesh secured with stakes can deter ground-level feeding.
Scent and taste deterrents provide a second line of defense by targeting the deer’s sensitive nose and palate. Commercial granular or spray repellents, often containing putrefied eggs or strong-smelling oils, can be applied directly to the foliage. A do-it-yourself option is a mixture of water, eggs, and dish soap sprayed onto the plants. The odor is highly offensive to deer. These solutions must be reapplied every two weeks, or immediately following heavy rainfall, to maintain effectiveness.