Deer presence in residential and rural areas often creates conflict for gardeners struggling to protect cultivated plants from browsing. Deer possess a broad diet, consuming foliage, stems, and flowers, making plant selection a constant challenge. Identifying less appealing garden favorites is a practical first step in mitigating damage. This article addresses the vulnerability of the popular Shasta daisy to deer consumption and outlines methods for its protection.
The Deer’s Preference: Do They Eat Shasta Daisies?
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum) are generally considered deer-resistant, but this does not mean they are deer-proof. They are not a preferred food source and are often low on a deer’s menu preference list. The plant’s moderate resistance is due to its slightly coarse foliage texture, which is less palatable than the smooth leaves of many other garden plants.
Deer tend to bypass Shasta daisies when more desirable forage, such as hostas or tender vegetables, is readily available. However, deer are opportunistic feeders that will consume nearly any plant material under certain conditions. The plant is sometimes rated as “Occasionally Severely Damaged,” indicating that browsing does occur. Young or newly planted daisies are particularly susceptible to being sampled before they develop tougher, established growth.
Factors Influencing Deer Feeding Habits
A deer’s decision to consume a plant like the Shasta daisy depends on environmental and biological pressures, not solely on texture. Localized deer population density creates “food pressure,” where animals competing for limited resources become less selective. In these high-pressure environments, a resistant plant is more likely to be browsed.
The availability of preferred natural forage is another major variable, determined by seasonal availability and nutritional content. During periods of scarcity, such as winter or severe drought, deer will expand their diet to include plants they would normally ignore. Deer seek out plants with high protein content, which is why cultivated plants are often preferred over wild species.
Effective Methods for Deer Deterrence
Protecting vulnerable plants requires a layered approach combining physical obstacles with sensory deterrents. One reliable method involves establishing physical barriers, such as temporary wire cages or netting around new plantings. For larger areas, fencing must be at least eight feet high, as deer are capable jumpers. Alternatively, a four-foot fence angled outward at 45 degrees creates a psychological barrier preventing them from attempting the jump.
Repellents offer a non-permanent solution that relies on taste or smell to make plants unappealing. Taste-based repellents containing putrescent whole egg solids are effective, but they require reapplication every few weeks and after heavy rainfall. Scent-based options, like sprays made from garlic or hot pepper, or hanging strongly scented bar soap, work by overwhelming a deer’s sensitive olfactory system. Gardeners should rotate between different types of repellents to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single formula.
Strategic placement of plants can also reduce browsing risk. Vulnerable daisies can be positioned closer to the house or high-traffic human areas, which deer tend to avoid. Companion planting involves grouping Shasta daisies with known, strongly scented deer-resistant plants, such as lavender or Russian sage. This masks the daisies’ scent and creates a naturally unappealing border.