Delosperma, widely known as Ice Plant, is a popular, low-growing succulent prized for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and dense, mat-forming foliage. Gardeners frequently seek out this perennial groundcover for its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions and its minimal maintenance requirements. For those managing landscapes where deer are common, Delosperma is highly resistant to browsing. This trait makes it a favored choice for xeriscapes and rock gardens in areas with significant deer populations.
Understanding Delosperma’s Deer Resistance
The natural defense Delosperma possesses against herbivores stems from its physical and chemical makeup. The plant belongs to the Aizoaceae family, characterized by the thick, fleshy, and succulent nature of its leaves. Deer are known to avoid plants with this particular texture, as the high water content and soft, gelatinous feel are generally unappealing to their palate and digestive system.
This physical characteristic places the Ice Plant high on the list of vegetation that is rarely damaged by deer. The leaves are often covered in specialized bladder cells that give the plant a crystalline, ice-like appearance, which contributes to the undesirable texture. The structural integrity of the succulent leaves does not offer the soft forage deer seek out.
Furthermore, Delosperma contains compounds that contribute to a bitter or acrid taste. This flavor profile acts as a secondary deterrent, making the plant less palatable compared to other available vegetation. This combination of unfavorable texture and taste effectively encourages deer to pass over the Ice Plant.
Factors That Influence Browsing Behavior
Exceptions to Delosperma’s resistance can occur under certain environmental pressures. The primary factor that compromises a plant’s resistance is extreme hunger or starvation. During harsh winter months or prolonged droughts, when preferred food sources are scarce, a deer may be forced to browse less palatable plants like Delosperma simply to survive.
Another significant influence is the local deer population density. In areas where deer are overpopulated, the competition for food is intensified, leading to less selective foraging behavior. A high-density environment means the deer will be more inclined to sample and consume plants they would normally ignore when preferred forage is abundant.
Young or recently transplanted Delosperma plantings can also be more vulnerable to initial browsing. Juvenile plants may not have fully developed the concentrated bitter compounds or the tough, fleshy texture of mature, established specimens. Allowing the plant to establish its natural defenses often reduces the risk of future damage.
Practical Protection Methods for Gardens
For gardeners in high-pressure deer zones, a multi-layered defense strategy can provide maximum protection for Delosperma.
Implementing physical barriers for new plantings is an effective, non-lethal measure to ensure establishment. Simple temporary cages or netting placed over the young groundcover can prevent initial taste-testing until the plant is mature enough to deter browsing on its own.
The use of scent-based or taste-based commercial repellents can also be employed as a short-term solution. Many effective products utilize ingredients that mimic predator scents or feature a bitter taste, although these must be reapplied regularly, especially after rainfall or new growth. A cost-effective, homemade repellent using ingredients like rotten eggs or strong spices can be sprayed onto the plants to create an unappealing odor and flavor.
A strategic approach involves companion planting, which uses highly resistant plants to shield more vulnerable ones. Placing Delosperma near more frequently browsed plants can create a perimeter of unpalatable foliage that deer are less likely to cross. This tactic capitalizes on the deer’s tendency to sample the outer edge of a planting bed before committing to the center.