Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a popular, fast-growing groundcover known for its dense mat of bright, coin-shaped leaves. This herbaceous perennial is often used by gardeners to fill spaces quickly or create a cascading effect over containers and walls. For those living in areas with foraging wildlife, a common concern is whether this vibrant plant is resistant to deer. This information addresses the plant’s palatability and offers strategies for successful cultivation in deer-frequented gardens.
Classification of Creeping Jenny’s Resistance
Creeping Jenny is widely classified as a highly deer-resistant plant, meaning browsing animals rarely damage it. This strong resistance stems from specific secondary compounds within the foliage. These chemical compounds render the leaves bitter and unpalatable to most mammalian herbivores.
The bitter taste acts as a natural deterrent, causing deer to seek more appetizing food sources elsewhere. Deer are selective feeders, prioritizing plants that offer high nutritional value. Since Creeping Jenny does not meet these criteria, it is typically passed over in favor of other vegetation.
Exceptions to Deer Avoidance
While Creeping Jenny possesses strong resistance, no plant is entirely deer-proof, and browsing damage can occur under specific environmental pressures. Deer are concentrate selectors, meaning they prefer to consume the most tender and nutrient-rich parts of the best plants available. However, this preference changes when food scarcity becomes an issue.
During periods of extreme environmental stress, such as severe drought or heavy snow cover, the availability of preferred forage declines sharply. When deer face starvation, they will disregard the plant’s natural bitterness and consume almost any vegetation to survive, including Creeping Jenny. Furthermore, newly emerging growth in the spring, which is less fibrous and chemically defended than mature foliage, may be sampled by deer, especially in areas with high deer populations.
Optimal Cultivation for Deer-Prone Gardens
Successfully growing Creeping Jenny in deer-prone areas involves strategic placement and maintenance to maintain its low palatability. One effective strategy is “facilitative planting,” placing it adjacent to species deer prefer, such as hostas or tulips. The deer’s reluctance to browse the bitter groundcover may help protect its more desirable neighbors.
Gardeners should avoid heavy use of high-nitrogen fertilizers. This promotes the growth of tender, succulent shoots that are higher in protein and more appealing to deer. Instead, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in the spring, or rely on existing soil fertility. Regular pruning to remove older growth is beneficial for plant health.
Strategic placement near structures or high-traffic human areas offers a degree of protection, as deer are less likely to forage in exposed locations. Consider interplanting Creeping Jenny with other highly aromatic, deer-resistant plants, such as lavender or catmint, which create a pungent sensory barrier. Choosing the golden-leaved variety, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea,’ which thrives in full sun, can also be beneficial.