Strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum) are popular ornamental plants known for their unique papery texture and vibrant colors. Often dried for arrangements, they maintain their vivid hues long after harvest. Gardeners often wonder about their susceptibility to deer browsing. This article addresses whether deer eat strawflowers and how to protect them.
Do Deer Eat Strawflowers
Strawflowers are considered deer-resistant plants. While no plant is entirely “deer-proof,” strawflowers are rarely browsed by these animals. Deer typically avoid them, preferring more palatable vegetation in a garden. This resistance makes them a suitable choice for landscapes with active deer populations.
Deer browsing on strawflowers is uncommon and usually occurs under specific environmental pressures. During extreme food scarcity, like severe droughts or harsh winters, deer may eat plants they normally ignore. In such circumstances, even deer-resistant plants might experience some browsing.
What Influences Deer Browsing on Strawflowers
The primary reason deer tend to avoid strawflowers lies in their unique physical characteristics. Strawflowers possess a distinct papery, somewhat stiff texture that deer find unappealing. Deer prefer plants with soft, succulent foliage that is easy to chew and digest. The dry, almost brittle nature of strawflower leaves and petals does not align with their typical dietary preferences.
Beyond texture, strawflowers may also have a taste or chemical composition that deters deer. While not as strongly aromatic as some other deer-resistant plants, their specific compounds are likely not palatable to deer. This combination of undesirable texture and potentially off-putting taste contributes to their low appeal as a food source for browsing animals. Deer are efficient foragers and will instinctively choose the most nutritious and easily consumed plants available.
Protecting Your Strawflowers from Deer
Although strawflowers are largely deer-resistant, gardeners in areas with high deer pressure might still consider preventative measures. Physical barriers offer the most reliable protection. Installing a temporary netting or a low fence around newly planted strawflower beds can deter curious deer, especially during the establishment phase. Ensuring the barrier is securely anchored prevents deer from pushing it aside.
Repellents can also provide an additional layer of protection, though their effectiveness can vary and requires reapplication. Commercial deer repellents often use strong odors or tastes derived from ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin, making plants unappetizing. Alternatively, some gardeners find success with homemade solutions, such as soap sprays or interplanting strawflowers with strongly scented herbs like rosemary or lavender, which deer also tend to avoid. These aromatic companion plants can help mask the scent of more appealing vegetation.
Diversifying plantings within the garden can further reduce the likelihood of deer browsing on any single plant type. Incorporating a variety of deer-resistant species alongside strawflowers creates a less attractive overall buffet for deer. Regular monitoring of the garden for signs of browsing allows for timely intervention, adjusting protective strategies as needed to maintain the health and beauty of strawflower displays.