Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) is a popular perennial groundcover. It earns its name from its unique, thick, oblong leaves covered in dense, soft, silvery-white hairs, giving them the feel of a lamb’s ear. This attractive, low-maintenance plant is generally considered highly resistant to deer browsing. While no plant is entirely “deer-proof,” the combination of its physical and chemical properties makes it one of the least desirable food sources for deer.
Characteristics That Deter Deer
The primary reason deer avoid Stachys byzantina is its unmistakable texture, which creates a physical barrier to feeding. The leaves are heavily coated in tiny, fine hairs known as trichomes that give the plant its signature woolly feel. Deer possess sensitive mouths, and the thick, fuzzy, and slightly abrasive texture of these trichomes is unpleasant for them to chew. This velvety coating interrupts the smooth chewing motion deer prefer when browsing.
Beyond the physical discomfort, the plant also possesses chemical characteristics that act as a deterrent. Lamb’s Ear is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), a group often characterized by aromatic foliage. The leaves contain compounds that release a faint, herbaceous aroma when crushed. Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell and typically avoid plants with strong or aromatic odors. This combination of unappetizing texture and mild fragrance successfully discourages most deer.
Factors That Override Resistance
It is important to remember that the term “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof,” and hungry deer may still browse on the plant under specific conditions. The most common factor overriding resistance is extreme nutritional stress, such as during severe drought or deep winter when preferred food sources are scarce. When faced with starvation, deer become opportunistic feeders and consume almost any vegetation available.
Local factors, such as high deer population density, can also lead to increased browsing pressure on resistant plants. In areas where competition for food is intense, deer may be forced to try less palatable options. Furthermore, newly planted or very young Lamb’s Ear growth is more vulnerable than established plants. Tender new shoots have not yet developed the full, dense layer of protective trichomes, making them easier for deer to sample.
Management Strategies for High-Pressure Areas
For gardeners in areas with consistently high deer activity, proactive management can help ensure the plant remains untouched.
Physical Barriers
One effective strategy is to use physical barriers, such as small, low-profile netting or temporary fencing around new plantings until they become established. Although deer can jump high fences, an obstacle that requires a deer to step over or navigate can be enough of a nuisance to redirect their attention to an easier food source.
Topical Repellents
Topical repellents offer another layer of defense, working by taste or scent to train deer to avoid the area. Scent-based options often use ingredients like putrescent egg solids or garlic, which emit an odor deer associate with predators. Taste-based repellents, applied directly to the foliage, make the plant unpalatable, though they must be reapplied frequently, especially after rainfall or as new growth emerges.
Strategic Placement
Strategic placement of Lamb’s Ear can also be beneficial, such as positioning it near the house or along walkways where human activity is more frequent, as deer generally avoid areas of high traffic.