Liatris, commonly known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather, is a perennial native to North American prairies and meadows. Gardeners prize this plant for its striking vertical flower spikes, which bring unique structure and vibrant purple color to sunny borders. Its ability to thrive in tough, drought-like conditions makes it a resilient choice for various landscapes. The primary concern for many gardeners in areas with abundant wildlife is whether this plant can withstand browsing pressure from deer.
Liatris and Deer Palatability
Liatris is regarded as a highly dependable choice for gardens located in areas with active deer populations. It is generally placed in the category of plants that are “rarely damaged” or “seldom severely damaged” by deer. This inherent resistance makes it a reliable perennial compared to more palatable garden favorites. The lack of significant damage is because deer actively choose not to eat it. This preference for other food sources means the plant can be a foundational element in a wildlife-resistant garden design.
Factors Contributing to Resistance
The avoidance behavior displayed by deer is a result of Liatris’s natural defense mechanisms, which include both physical and chemical deterrents. As the plant matures, the foliage and stems develop a fibrous and tough texture. Deer prefer soft, tender growth that is easy to chew and digest, making the rougher texture of Blazing Star a physical turn-off. Beyond the physical feel, the plant contains compounds that give it an undesirable taste and scent. The bitter flavor is attributed to secondary metabolites. These chemicals are unappetizing or can cause digestive discomfort, signaling to the deer that the plant is not a preferred food source.
When Damage Still Occurs
While Liatris is highly resistant, no garden plant can be considered completely deer-proof. Browsing damage can occur during rare periods of extreme food scarcity, such as severe droughts or harsh winter months. In these instances, a hungry deer may sample the Liatris simply because no other food is readily available. Young, newly emerging shoots in the spring are also sometimes vulnerable, as they are more tender and have not yet fully developed their chemical defenses.
Mitigation strategies can be employed for these exceptional cases to protect the plant during vulnerable times. Applying strong-scented deer repellents, often containing natural ingredients, can temporarily enhance the plant’s unappealing nature. For new plantings, temporary physical protection, such as a small wire cage or netting, can be used until the plant establishes itself. Strategic placement near the house or in companion plantings with highly fragrant herbs also helps to deter occasional browsing.
Dealing with Other Common Liatris Pests
The primary challenges to Liatris health usually come not from large browsing mammals but from smaller garden pests and insects. Voles and gophers are known to be a threat because they occasionally target and consume the underground corms. Signs of this damage include a healthy-looking stalk suddenly wilting and pulling easily from the ground. Physical barriers like wire mesh cages placed around the corms at planting time can prevent this kind of subterranean damage.
Above ground, the plant is relatively pest-free but can sometimes attract sap-sucking insects like aphids or thrips. These small pests cluster on the stems and leaves, extracting plant fluids. They can typically be managed with simple treatments like a strong blast of water from a hose or an application of insecticidal soap. Snails and slugs may also occasionally chew on the foliage, but this damage is usually minor and rarely impacts the established Liatris.