Euonymus, a genus including popular choices like Burning Bush and Wintercreeper, is sought after for its vibrant fall color and adaptable nature. These hardy shrubs and vines tolerate varied soil conditions and thrive in many climates. However, as suburban development pushes into natural habitats, pressure from deer browsing has become a significant concern for anyone cultivating these plants.
The classification of Euonymus as “deer resistant” is misleading; the term means the plant is less preferred, not immune to browsing. Official ratings often place the genus on a scale ranging from “occasionally severely damaged” to “frequently severely damaged” by deer. Deer are most likely to target Euonymus during the winter months when natural food sources are scarce or dormant. When food is limited, deer will consume plants they would normally avoid, overriding any inherent distaste.
The plant’s low-severity toxicity to humans and pets does not reliably deter foraging animals, as deer eat many unpalatable or poisonous plants. Evergreen varieties of Euonymus present a tempting year-round source of green forage, especially attractive during deep cold. The likelihood of damage depends less on the plant’s natural defenses and more on environmental stress and local deer population density.
Species Variation and Palatability
The level of browsing damage depends heavily on the specific species of Euonymus being grown. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), a popular evergreen ground cover, is consistently reported as one of the most susceptible species. Due to its low-growing, easily accessible form and year-round leaves, it is frequently categorized as “deer candy.” Damage to Wintercreeper is often severe, with deer readily consuming the foliage and new growth.
In contrast, larger, deciduous shrub varieties, such as Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus), may fare slightly better, especially once mature. While younger, tender shoots and foliage are vulnerable, mature plants suffer less severe damage than ground cover cousins. Deer may consume the winged bark from woody stems of deciduous varieties in winter, even after the leaves have dropped. The bright red berries produced by some species, including Burning Bush, are also readily consumed, increasing the shrub’s attraction.
Strategies for Protecting Euonymus
Gardeners who experience persistent browsing can employ several practical methods to minimize damage. Physical exclusion is the most reliable defense, especially for young or newly planted specimens. An effective deer fence must be at least eight feet tall, though a double fence spaced three feet apart can be effective at a lower height because deer fear being trapped between the barriers.
For individual shrubs, a temporary cage constructed from wire mesh can protect the plant until it grows large enough to withstand minor browsing. Repellents work through either taste or odor to discourage deer from feeding. Taste-based repellents containing capsaicin or putrescent whole egg solids must be applied directly to the foliage. Odor-based repellents, often containing dried blood or fish oil, are generally sprayed around the plant’s perimeter.
These repellents require frequent reapplication, typically every two to four weeks, and immediately after heavy rainfall or new growth emerges. Strategic placement of Euonymus near areas of regular human activity, such as close to a house or a busy deck, can also naturally deter deer from approaching. Combining deterrents with careful species selection offers the best chance of protecting your plants.