White-tailed deer are a common sight in suburban and rural landscapes, and their presence often leads to frustrating damage in cultivated gardens. The simple answer to whether deer eat lilies is yes; they are a preferred food source, particularly the tender new growth offered in spring and early summer. This browsing pressure is a persistent problem for gardeners, often leading to the sudden loss of foliage and flower buds overnight. Understanding why these plants are targeted is the first step toward effective protection.
The Palatability of Lilies
The deer’s preference for lilies is nuanced and often depends on the specific type of plant, highlighting a distinction between two common garden favorites. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are considered a true deer delicacy because they lack the strong scents or toxic compounds that deter browsing mammals. These plants offer tender, newly emerging foliage in early spring, making them a readily available food source when other vegetation is scarce. Deer often consume the entire scape—the leafless stalk—and the flower buds.
True lilies (Lilium) are generally less preferred due to mild toxins that can cause digestive upset in deer. This resistance is not a guarantee, as the toxicity serves as a deterrent only when deer have an abundance of safer food sources. Under pressure from high deer populations or during periods of drought and food scarcity, deer will readily browse on the leaves, stems, and buds of Lilium species. Even varieties noted for being less palatable, such as Tiger Lilies, can be consumed when a deer is hungry enough to ignore the mild irritants.
Identifying Deer Damage
Confirming that deer are the culprits requires close observation of the damage left behind, as several common garden pests also browse on plants. Deer lack upper incisor teeth, meaning they cannot make a clean cut when they eat foliage and stems. Instead, they clamp down with their lower teeth against a hard dental pad and pull, resulting in a characteristic ragged, torn, or frayed appearance on the remaining stems. This ragged appearance differentiates deer damage from the clean, 45-degree angle cuts left by rabbits or voles, which possess sharp incisors.
The height of the damage is another strong indicator, as deer typically browse on tender growth between three and six feet above the ground. While rabbits and groundhogs generally feed lower, deer can easily reach the flower buds and upper leaves of most established lilies. The consumption pattern often involves removing entire flower heads or large sections of foliage, rather than the smaller, localized bites taken by other animals. Finding large, hoof-shaped tracks or pellet-like droppings nearby can also help confirm the presence of deer in the garden.
Effective Deterrence Strategies
Protecting lilies from browsing requires a multi-pronged approach, as deer are highly adaptable animals that quickly become accustomed to single deterrents. Physical barriers are the most reliable long-term solution, but they must be substantial enough to be effective against a determined deer. Since deer are capable jumpers, a permanent fence should be at least eight feet high to completely exclude them. For localized protection, temporary cages or fine mesh netting secured over the plants can prevent access during the vulnerable spring and summer months.
Repellents offer a non-physical barrier and are generally divided into two types: odor-based and taste-based. Odor-based repellents, which often contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids or garlic, work by creating a smell that deer find offensive. Taste-based repellents, such as those containing capsaicin (hot pepper), must be ingested to be effective, teaching the deer to avoid the plant after a negative experience. The effectiveness of any repellent relies on consistent reapplication, particularly after rainfall or irrigation, because the active ingredients are washed away.
Strategic planting can also help safeguard vulnerable lilies by making the area less attractive to deer. This involves placing lilies close to the home or in a heavily trafficked area to discourage nocturnal browsing. Companion planting is another effective method, which involves surrounding the lilies with highly aromatic, deer-resistant species. Plants with strong scents or fuzzy textures, such as lavender, rosemary, bearded irises, or ornamental onions (Allium), can mask the appealing scent of the lilies, creating a natural barrier.