Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) is a versatile native plant valued for its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Gardeners often face the challenge of deer browsing, leading to questions about a plant’s ability to withstand such pressure. This article explores Nannyberry’s resistance to deer, its characteristics, and strategies to maintain its health in areas with deer activity.
Is Nannyberry Truly Deer Resistant?
Nannyberry is generally regarded as deer resistant, meaning deer typically avoid it in favor of other food sources. Many nurseries and plant guides categorize it as “deer resistant” or “mildly resistant.” However, no plant is completely deer-proof. Deer may still browse Nannyberry, particularly when food is scarce, during severe winters, or in areas with high deer populations. Young or newly planted Nannyberry shrubs are particularly vulnerable to browsing as their foliage is more tender.
Why Deer Tend to Avoid Nannyberry
Deer tend to bypass Nannyberry due to several characteristics that make it less appealing. Its leaves are often described as leathery and deep green, making the tougher foliage less palatable than softer, more succulent plants. Additionally, Nannyberry’s taste is generally unpalatable to deer, prompting them to seek out more preferred vegetation. The plant’s vigorous growth habit also plays a role, as mature Nannyberry shrubs are robust enough to withstand a certain level of browsing.
Enhancing Nannyberry’s Deer Resistance
Even though Nannyberry exhibits natural resistance, gardeners can implement several strategies to further protect these plants from deer.
- Protect newly planted Nannyberry shrubs with physical barriers, such as wire fencing or netting, until they become established.
- Strategically place Nannyberry away from known deer travel paths to reduce browsing.
- Use mass planting, grouping Nannyberry closely with other less palatable plants, to deter deer from venturing into the center.
- Utilize deer deterrent sprays, such as those containing rotten eggs or hot pepper, and rotate different products, as deer can become accustomed to a single repellent.
Additional Benefits of Nannyberry
Beyond its deer resistance, Nannyberry offers a variety of appealing qualities for the home garden. The shrub produces attractive creamy white flowers in flat-topped clusters during mid-spring. These blossoms are followed by blue-black berries that ripen in late summer and can persist on the plant well into winter, providing visual interest. Nannyberry also displays fall foliage, with leaves transforming into shades of orange-red or purplish-red.
The plant serves as a valuable food source for various wildlife, including many bird species that feed on its berries, and pollinators like bees and butterflies that visit its flowers. Nannyberry is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, tolerating diverse soil types, from clay to loam, and thriving in both full sun and partial shade. Its berries are also edible for humans and can be used to make jams, jellies, or consumed fresh.