Lemongrass is a fragrant, tropical grass popular in gardening both for its culinary uses and its striking ornamental appearance. This plant, typically Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus, emits a bright, sharp citrus aroma that is pleasant to humans. While gardeners worry that this attractive plant might become a target for browsing deer, the strong scent that makes lemongrass appealing to us is precisely what makes it unappealing to them.
Lemongrass and Deer Resistance
The direct answer is yes; lemongrass is widely considered a highly deer-resistant plant. Deer typically avoid plants that possess strong odors or unpalatable textures, placing aromatic grasses like lemongrass low on their list of preferred foods. While this resistance does not mean the plant is entirely immune to browsing, deer will only target it when food sources are scarce, such as during a severe drought or harsh winter. In most circumstances, deer will walk past lemongrass in favor of softer, milder-tasting vegetation.
The Natural Deterrent Why Deer Avoid Lemongrass
Deer rely heavily on their senses of smell and taste, and the powerful lemon scent of lemongrass acts as a natural signal to stay away. The plant’s deterrence is directly attributable to its concentrated essential oils, which make the plant taste bitter or unpleasant. The dominant compound is citral (a mixture of neral and geranial), which often makes up over 60% of the total oil content. This high level of citral gives lemongrass a penetrating citrus fragrance that can overwhelm a deer’s sensitive olfactory system and confuse the animal. Furthermore, the physical texture of the leaves adds a secondary layer of protection, as the grass blades are tough, fibrous, and difficult to chew and digest.
Using Lemongrass in Deer-Prone Gardens
Gardeners can strategically use lemongrass to create a “soft fence” or protective barrier around more vulnerable plants that deer favor. Planting dense rows around the perimeter of a vegetable patch or flower bed establishes a strong-smelling boundary that deer are reluctant to cross. To maximize the scent release, gardeners can occasionally brush against or lightly bruise the leaves, which releases a burst of essential oils and enhances the protective aromatic shield. Ensuring the lemongrass is healthy and robust also helps, as a vigorous plant naturally produces higher concentrations of defensive essential oils. Placing the plant near highly preferred deer foods, such as hostas or tulips, can successfully discourage browsing.