Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlbergia capillaris) is an ornamental plant, valued for the airy plumes of pinkish-red color it provides in late summer and autumn. Its fine-textured, mounding foliage has made it a popular choice for gardeners across many regions. When planting where wildlife is present, protecting landscape investments from browsing animals is a primary concern. Understanding the plant’s traits and local deer behavior helps manage expectations and ensure gardening success.
Deer Resistance Status and Plant Characteristics
Pink Muhly Grass is widely recognized as highly resistant to browsing deer, though no plant can be truly considered deer-proof. This resistance stems from several inherent biological and physical traits that make the grass unappealing compared to other available forage. The leaves are thin, tough, and possess a wiry, fibrous texture that is difficult for deer to chew and digest.
Deer are browsers that favor soft, succulent, and highly nutritious foliage, which contrasts with this ornamental grass. The mature, coarse blades of Pink Muhly Grass offer low palatability and minimal nutritional reward. Its lack of high moisture content and high protein makes it an unattractive meal. This combination of low appeal and difficult texture means deer usually bypass large plantings in favor of more tender, easily digestible plants.
Factors Influencing Deer Browsing Behavior
While the plant’s characteristics offer strong natural protection, deer resistance is relative to local environmental pressures. Deer are opportunistic feeders who consume almost any vegetation when preferred food sources become scarce. Severe drought or harsh winter weather can deplete natural forage, leading deer to browse plants they would normally ignore, including Pink Muhly Grass.
Local deer population density also plays a significant role, as high browsing pressure means more mouths competing for a limited food supply. In these situations, even generally unpalatable plants may be sampled out of necessity. New plantings and fresh, tender spring growth may occasionally be nibbled by curious fawns or desperate adults. Deer often sample new growth to determine edibility before moving on, resulting in minor, localized damage.
Protecting Pink Muhly Grass from Casual Damage
Gardeners can take proactive steps to prevent casual damage to Pink Muhly Grass, especially during high-risk periods. Physical barriers offer the most reliable protection, particularly for young or recently transplanted clumps. Placing a temporary wire cage or netting around new plants for the first few months allows them to establish without risk of browsing.
For broader protection, especially during winter scarcity, gardeners can apply commercial deer repellents designed to deter feeding through scent or taste. Repellents containing ingredients like rotten eggs, capsaicin, or predator urine create an offensive experience. Since deer can acclimate to a single deterrent, rotating between two or three types of repellent throughout the season improves effectiveness. These sprays need to be reapplied periodically, particularly after heavy rain, to maintain consistent protection.