Stonecrop, belonging to the genus Sedum and its close relative Hylotelephium, is a popular garden perennial known for its resilience and unique succulent foliage. These plants, often called stonecrop due to their ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, are prized by gardeners for their late-season color and low-maintenance nature. A common concern for homeowners in areas with wildlife is whether deer will browse on these plants. While no plant is completely immune to a hungry deer, stonecrop is overwhelmingly considered a poor choice on the deer’s menu.
Stonecrop’s Categorization as a Deer-Resistant Plant
Horticultural experts generally categorize stonecrop as a plant that is “rarely damaged” or “seldom severely damaged” by deer browsing. This classification is a strong indicator of its reliability in the landscape, but it is important to understand the distinction between “deer-resistant” and “deer-proof.” Deer-resistant means the plant possesses characteristics that make it undesirable to deer, so they will typically avoid it when other, more preferred food sources are available. The classification of stonecrop species, such as the popular ‘Autumn Joy’ (Hylotelephium spectabile), often places them high on lists of plants that deer ignore. This broad acceptance makes stonecrop a dependable choice for properties that experience regular deer activity.
Plant Characteristics That Deter Deer
The primary reasons deer tend to avoid stonecrop are rooted in its physical texture and internal chemistry. As a succulent, stonecrop stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves and stems. This soft, mucilaginous texture is generally unappealing to deer, which often prefer plants with smoother or more tender foliage. Beyond the texture, some stonecrop species contain low concentrations of chemical compounds that contribute to their resistance. These compounds often have a bitter taste that acts as a natural deterrent. Deer are highly selective eaters and will usually choose plants that offer a better nutritional return without the bitter flavor or the sticky, unpleasant texture.
Factors That Encourage Deer to Eat Stonecrop
Despite its resistance, stonecrop is not entirely safe, and several external factors can override a deer’s natural aversion. The most significant factor is extreme food scarcity, such as prolonged drought conditions or deep winter when natural forage is unavailable. When faced with starvation, a deer will consume almost any plant, including those it normally finds unpalatable. The age and growth stage of the plant also play a role in its vulnerability. New, young spring growth is often more tender and lacks the full concentration of bitter compounds found in mature foliage. This fresh growth may be sampled by deer, leading to minor browsing damage early in the season. Furthermore, while most stonecrop varieties are highly resistant, slight variations exist between species, with some low-growing groundcover Sedums potentially being less resistant than the taller Hylotelephium varieties.