Lilyturf (Liriope muscari and Liriope spicata) is a popular, grass-like perennial widely used in landscaping. Homeowners seek plants that can withstand browsing pressure from white-tailed deer, which can cause significant damage to garden beds. While no plant is entirely immune, lilyturf is consistently categorized as a highly resistant option, making it a reliable choice for areas with dense deer populations.
Lilyturf’s Status as Deer Resistant
Lilyturf is considered highly unpalatable to deer, meaning it is rarely browsed under normal circumstances. Horticultural agencies and university extension programs frequently list Liriope species as plants that are “seldom severely damaged” by deer. The plant itself forms dense, arching clumps of dark green, strap-like foliage that provides year-round interest. In late summer and early fall, the plant produces spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers, typically in shades of purple or white, followed by small, black berries. The evergreen nature of the foliage and its robust structure contribute to the plant’s ability to deter wildlife.
Factors Contributing to Deer Avoidance
The primary reasons deer avoid lilyturf are a combination of its mechanical structure and its chemical composition. The leaves of the plant are tough, fibrous, and leathery, making them physically difficult for a deer to chew and digest. Deer lack upper incisor teeth, meaning they must tear and pull foliage, and the narrow, rigid leaves of lilyturf do not present an easy target for this method of feeding. This tough texture acts as a strong physical deterrent, persuading deer to seek out softer, more succulent plants instead.
Beyond the physical challenge, the plant contains chemical compounds that result in an unpleasant taste and odor. Lilyturf belongs to the Asparagaceae family, and like many plants in this group, it possesses certain metabolites that are mildly toxic and bitter. These characteristics are often associated with saponins, which can cause mild intestinal distress in large quantities. The bitter taste and strong, unappealing scent of the foliage serve as a clear signal to deer that the plant is not a preferred food source, reinforcing their learned avoidance behavior.
When Resistance Can Fail
The designation “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof,” and there are specific conditions under which resistance can fail. The most common cause of lilyturf browsing is extreme hunger, which typically occurs during periods of severe drought, heavy snow cover, or in areas with very high deer population density. When preferred food sources are scarce, deer become opportunistic and will consume plants they would normally ignore to meet their caloric needs.
Young or newly emerging growth is also more vulnerable than mature, established foliage. Tender spring shoots are more succulent and less fibrous than older leaves, making them temporarily more appealing to a browsing deer. Regional variations in deer behavior also play a role, as local populations may develop unique foraging habits or have a greater tolerance for bitter tastes due to environmental pressures.
Gardeners can help maximize resistance by ensuring plants are well-established and by avoiding placement directly adjacent to plants that deer find highly desirable. Implementing a multifaceted approach that includes occasional application of deer repellent can provide an additional layer of protection during periods of high browsing pressure.