Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is celebrated for the vivid crimson color of its bare stems, which provide striking winter landscape interest. This popular deciduous shrub is frequently sought after by gardeners in areas with deer activity. While many resources list it as deer resistant, this label is a relative term, not a guarantee of protection. The plant is generally avoided by browsing animals, but its resistance depends highly on environmental pressures.
Defining Deer Resistance in Red Twig Dogwood
Red Twig Dogwood is classified as deer-resistant due to its unpalatable nature and physical composition. Deer are opportunistic feeders and prefer tender, nutrient-dense foliage over rougher material. The mature stems and leaves of Cornus sericea possess a tough, fibrous texture and an unpleasant taste, making them a low-preference food source.
This resistance means the shrub is “seldom severely damaged,” often receiving a moderate rating. It is important to distinguish this status from being “deer-proof,” as no plant is entirely immune to browsing, especially when a deer’s normal diet is unavailable. The shrub is typically bypassed when more desirable alternatives are present, but it remains a backup food source in times of hardship. The shrub’s defense mechanism is a matter of taste and texture rather than a potent toxin. Deer will occasionally sample the plant, particularly new growth, but rarely consume enough to cause severe harm to a mature shrub.
Environmental Factors Driving Deer Browsing
The primary reason deer overcome their natural aversion to Red Twig Dogwood is the scarcity of preferred forage. This is most commonly observed during winter when snow cover limits access to ground-level plants and native browse materials. When facing starvation, deer will expand their diet to include less palatable shrubs.
High population density also increases pressure on available vegetation. Competition for food forces deer to consume plants they would normally ignore. Additionally, young or recently planted shrubs are particularly vulnerable because their stems and leaves are more tender and easier to digest than the thicker growth of established plants.
Strategies for Protecting Shrubs from Deer
The most reliable strategy for preventing deer damage is the use of physical barriers. Permanent exclusion fencing must be a minimum of seven to eight feet high, as deer can clear lower obstacles when motivated. For individual shrubs, especially during the vulnerable winter season, temporary caging or netting around the plant offers effective, localized protection.
Repellents and Maintenance
Repellents offer another layer of defense and are categorized by their method of deterrence. Taste-based repellents, which often contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin, are applied directly to the shrub’s foliage to make it unpalatable. Odor-based repellents use strong smells, such as garlic or predator scents, to discourage deer from entering the area.
To remain effective, repellents require consistent reapplication, especially on Red Twig Dogwood which produces new growth. Taste-based sprays need to be reapplied every two to four weeks, and immediately after heavy rainfall. Cultural practices are also helpful; pruning heavily damaged stems in late winter encourages vigorous new growth, which helps the plant recover from browsing.
Similar Shrubs with Proven Resistance
Gardeners seeking alternatives with a higher, more consistent level of deer resistance can choose from several shrubs that offer similar landscape benefits. Incorporating these consistently avoided species can create a robust landscape that withstands heavy browsing pressure more reliably than even a resistant plant like Red Twig Dogwood.
Alternatives include:
- Boxwood (Buxus spp.): An excellent evergreen choice for structure and hedging, which deer typically avoid due to the presence of a toxic alkaloid compound. Its dense, glossy foliage provides year-round interest.
- Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa): Also known as Cinquefoil, this highly resistant deciduous shrub flowers profusely through the summer months. It is rarely damaged by deer.
- Spirea (Spiraea spp.): A flowering shrub that offers dense foliage and is known for being unappetizing to deer, providing seasonal color in mixed borders.
- Viburnum (Viburnum spp.): Varieties are frequently bypassed by deer because of their strong scent and taste, offering a range of sizes and seasonal features from fragrant spring flowers to persistent fall berries.