Lavender is a popular choice for gardeners, but those who share their landscape with white-tailed deer often worry about browsing damage. While deer sample a wide variety of vegetation, horticultural experts agree that lavender is highly resistant to browsing. Understanding this natural defense provides clarity for gardeners seeking reliable options in deer-prone areas.
The Palatability of Lavender to Deer
Gardeners can generally rely on lavender to remain untouched by local wildlife. The plant is categorized as unpalatable to deer, placing it low on their list of preferred food sources. Deer rarely consume the foliage or flowers, even when other garden plants are heavily browsed.
Lavender’s distinctive characteristics act as an effective deterrent. Deer favor tender, nutrient-dense growth, and the chemical makeup of lavender does not align with this preference. It is not considered an attractive food source for these herbivores.
The Chemistry Behind Deer Resistance
Deer consistently avoid lavender due to its high concentration of specialized chemical compounds. The plant produces volatile essential oils, which are responsible for its strong aroma and bitter taste. These oils are rich in monoterpenoids like linalool and camphor, which serve as natural defense mechanisms.
Deer rely heavily on their acute sense of smell to identify palatable food sources. Their olfactory system is highly sensitive to strong odors. The powerful, pungent scent emitted by the lavender’s leaves and stems acts as an immediate warning sign, signaling that the plant is undesirable for consumption.
Exceptions to the Rule: When Deer Might Browse
While lavender is reliably deer-resistant, no plant is entirely deer-proof. Certain environmental factors can override a deer’s natural aversion. During periods of extreme food scarcity, such as severe winter weather or prolonged summer drought, deer become less selective. Extreme hunger can compel them to sample plants they would normally ignore.
In these situations, deer may occasionally browse lavender, though it is usually a sample rather than sustained feeding. Young, newly planted lavender may be more vulnerable, as essential oil concentrations have not fully developed. Curious fawns might also take an exploratory nibble before moving on.
Utilizing Lavender in Deer-Deterrent Planting
Gardeners can leverage lavender’s natural resistance by strategically incorporating it into planting designs. Using lavender as a perimeter plant creates a fragrant barrier around more vulnerable species like hostas or tulips. This strategy forces deer to encounter the strong, deterrent scent before reaching preferred plants.
Planting dense groupings of lavender near known deer entry points, such as gaps in fencing, can be highly effective. The strong, concentrated aroma from a mass planting significantly amplifies the deterrent effect. This approach encourages local deer populations to seek forage elsewhere.