The Dappled Willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’) is a popular ornamental shrub prized for its striking variegated foliage. Leaves emerge in spring with pink and white tones, maturing to a creamy white and green mix. While deer may not prefer it over other plants, the Dappled Willow is generally considered a target for browsing, especially its tender new growth.
The Palatability of Dappled Willow to Deer
Deer are opportunistic foragers and often sample the genus Salix (willows), especially when preferred food sources are scarce. Although some sources describe the Dappled Willow as deer-resistant, institutions like Rutgers University rate the plant as “Occasionally Severely Damaged.” This inconsistency stems from the fact that a deer’s diet is heavily influenced by local conditions, including population density and the availability of alternative forage.
The most vulnerable parts are the tender new stems and foliage, which display the shrub’s signature pink and white coloration. This fresh growth, often spurred by spring pruning, is succulent and lacks the fibrous texture of mature stems. Newly planted or smaller shrubs are susceptible because deer can easily consume the entire plant. Browsing pressure intensifies during environmental stress, such as drought, when natural food sources are limited. If a property is near a high-traffic deer corridor, the shrub’s palatability increases, as deer often consume readily available plants rather than searching for a preferred meal.
Identifying Signs of Deer Browsing
Differentiating deer damage from other common garden pests, such as rabbits, involves examining the height and quality of the cut. Deer lack upper incisor teeth, so they cannot make a clean cut when feeding. They must grip and tear the vegetation, resulting in a ragged, shredded, or broken appearance on the stem tips and leaves.
The height of the damage is another strong indicator, as deer typically browse material anywhere from one to six feet off the ground. If the damage is located above two feet, deer are highly probable culprits. In contrast, rabbits possess sharp incisors and leave a clean, angled cut, with damage generally occurring close to the soil line, usually under two feet.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Willow Shrubs
The most reliable method for preventing deer damage involves using physical barriers to exclude the animals completely. For a permanent solution, an eight-foot-tall woven wire fence is considered the gold standard, as it discourages deer from jumping. For new or small plantings, temporary cages constructed from wire mesh or plastic netting offer practical, individual protection.
Another approach involves applying taste and scent-based deterrents directly to the foliage. Commercial repellents containing putrefied eggs are effective because their unpleasant odor and taste discourage browsing. Homemade solutions, such as mixtures of eggs, hot sauce, or bar soap, can also be sprayed on the shrub to create an unappealing flavor.
Repellents must be reapplied frequently, especially after heavy rain or during rapid new growth, to maintain effectiveness. Deer quickly become accustomed to a single product, so rotating between two or three different types of deterrents helps prevent habituation. Placing the shrub close to human activity, like a frequently used patio, may also offer passive deterrence.