Succulents are diverse plants characterized by thick, fleshy parts adapted to store water in arid climates. This water-storing ability concerns gardeners in deer-prone areas, who wonder if these plants attract hungry wildlife. While deer often bypass succulents, they will sometimes browse them, depending heavily on the species and environmental conditions. Protecting these plants requires understanding both the deer’s dietary needs and the succulents’ defensive characteristics.
Understanding Deer Palates and Succulent Appeal
Deer are opportunistic herbivores, meaning their diet is flexible and determined by what is readily available. They typically prefer tender, leafy vegetation but are also driven by the need for hydration, especially when preferred forage is scarce. Succulents, with their high internal water content, can become appealing during severe drought or winter when other food sources are unavailable.
The majority of succulents are not a favored food source because many species have developed natural defenses that make them unpalatable or physically difficult to consume. These deterrents often include a bitter taste caused by specialized chemical compounds within the leaves. Other succulents possess physical defenses, such as a tough, leathery texture or sharp spines. A deer may take an exploratory bite, but it is often discouraged from consuming the entire plant, especially if alternative food is present.
Succulents That Deer Usually Avoid
Many succulents have evolved specific characteristics that reliably deter deer browsing, making them a safer choice for gardens. Plants in the Agave genus are highly resistant because their leaves are tipped with sharp terminal spines and contain unpalatable compounds. Most species of Aloe possess a bitter, yellowish sap, known as aloin, which gives the leaves an off-putting taste.
The Euphorbia family, including plants like Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii), is avoided due to the milky latex sap they exude when damaged. This sap can be irritating to the mouth and digestive tract. Certain species of Kalanchoe also contain bufadienolides, chemical compounds that contribute to their low appeal.
Physical textures are another reliable deterrent, such as the fuzzy leaves found on Kalanchoe beharensis or the thick, dense rosettes of Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks). Deer tend to avoid these woolly or hairy surfaces. Choosing species with these inherent defenses significantly reduces the likelihood of damage.
Practical Strategies for Deterring Deer
Beyond selecting resistant varieties, gardeners can employ several practical methods to protect vulnerable succulents from deer damage.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers represent the most effective defense. A permanent perimeter fence should be at least eight feet high, as deer are capable of jumping lower structures when motivated. For smaller garden beds, temporary netting or wire cages can be placed over or around the plants during peak browsing seasons.
Chemical Repellents and Placement
Chemical repellents are categorized by their method of deterrence.
- Taste-based repellents coat the plants with an unpleasant flavor, often containing ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin, which discourages the deer after the first bite.
- Scent-based repellents work by emitting odors that signal danger, though these often require frequent reapplication, especially after rain.
Strategic placement is also effective; planting susceptible succulents close to the house or in elevated containers makes them less accessible. Companion planting with highly aromatic, deer-resistant herbs like lavender or rosemary can help mask the scent of desirable succulents.