The honeysuckle plant (Lonicera) is a popular choice for gardeners due to its fragrant flowers and attractive vining or shrub forms. For those living in areas with a deer population, a frequent question is whether this plant will survive local wildlife. The term “deer-resistant” is often a relative designation, and the palatability of honeysuckle depends heavily on environmental factors and the specific plant variety. Understanding this relationship is important for protecting your landscape investment.
The General Palatability of Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is generally not considered reliably deer-resistant, despite often being placed in the “moderately resistant” category by nurseries. Deer are opportunistic herbivores; they may avoid honeysuckle when preferred foods are available, but they will readily consume it under certain conditions. This moderate resistance designation becomes unreliable during periods of food scarcity, such as severe drought or winter months.
The deer diet shifts dramatically when alternative forage is unavailable, making even less-favored plants appealing. New growth is particularly vulnerable to browsing, as tender shoots and leaves contain a higher concentration of nutrients. A flush of spring growth or a recently fertilized plant will often act as an immediate attractant.
Resistance Varies by Honeysuckle Species
The degree of browsing damage depends highly on the specific Lonicera species planted, with significant differences between native and non-native types. Native varieties, such as Trumpet or Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), are generally less favored by deer. These native climbers offer a more reliable option for landscapes with high deer pressure.
Conversely, non-native or invasive species are often heavily browsed. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a prime example, providing a highly digestible, semi-green forage that deer consume year-round, particularly in winter. Invasive shrub species, like Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), offer a high-protein diet in early spring because they leaf out weeks before most native woody species.
Recognizing Signs of Deer Browsing
Distinguishing deer damage from other common garden pests, like rabbits, is a practical step in managing your honeysuckle’s defense. Deer lack upper incisor teeth, so they tear and yank the plant material against their lower jaw and a hard dental pad when feeding. This action results in a characteristic ragged, torn, or frayed end on the browsed stems and leaves.
In contrast, rabbits and other small rodents possess sharp incisors that create a clean, angled cut, similar to pruning shears. Another sign of deer activity on mature honeysuckle shrubs is “buck rub” damage. This damage occurs in the fall when male deer scrape their antlers against the bark to remove velvet or mark territory, leaving vertical scars or stripped bark typically between one and four feet off the ground.
Practical Strategies for Protecting Honeysuckle
Once you confirm that deer are responsible for the damage, physical barriers offer the most dependable protection for honeysuckle plants. Fencing is the most effective solution, but it must be at least six to eight feet high to prevent deer from leaping over the enclosure. For individual plants or newly planted shrubs, temporary wire cages or netting provides a robust physical deterrent to browsing.
Chemical repellents can also be effective, but they must be applied consistently and rotated frequently. Deer quickly become habituated to a single scent or taste repellent, so switching between formulations prevents them from ignoring the deterrent. Strategic placement of honeysuckle near heavily trafficked areas, such as patios or decks, can also discourage deer, as they generally avoid areas with high human activity.