Potentilla, commonly known as cinquefoil, is a versatile group of plants that includes both shrubby (Potentilla fruticosa) and herbaceous types used in landscape design. Shrubby cinquefoil is popular for its long blooming season and hardy nature, while herbaceous varieties offer colorful groundcovers and perennial borders. Gardeners often wonder about the susceptibility of these resilient plants to browsing animals. This article explores the relationship between cinquefoil and deer, clarifying its classification and the factors that influence whether it becomes an occasional snack.
The General Consensus on Deer Resistance
Potentilla is widely classified by horticultural experts as a plant that is rarely damaged by deer. References like the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station place cinquefoil in its highest resistance category, indicating that deer seldom severely browse it. This classification means that while no plant is entirely immune, Potentilla is low on a deer’s list of preferred food sources. Deer are selective foragers who rely on scent and texture to determine palatability, and cinquefoil’s natural attributes work against it as a food source. Its resistance makes it a popular choice for creating borders or mass plantings, even where other, more tender plants are routinely damaged.
Characteristics That Deter Deer
The primary reason deer bypass Potentilla lies in its physical and chemical composition, which makes the foliage unappealing. Deer generally prefer plants with smooth, soft, and succulent leaves that are easy to digest. Cinquefoil leaves, particularly the shrubby types, are fine-textured with a slightly coarse feel and often have a compound-pinnate structure. This rough texture is a physical deterrent that browsing animals find disagreeable. The shrub also contains naturally occurring chemical compounds that contribute to its low palatability. The foliage contains tannins and other mildly bitter substances that register as unpleasant to a deer’s sensitive taste receptors. This combination of poor texture and bitter flavor profile makes cinquefoil a poor candidate for a deer’s meal compared to sweeter, softer alternatives.
When Potentilla Still Gets Eaten
Despite its high resistance rating, Potentilla can still be browsed under specific circumstances, as no plant is truly deer-proof. The most common factor overriding a deer’s natural aversion is extreme food scarcity. During harsh winters or severe droughts that deplete other food sources, deer become less selective and may resort to eating any available woody material. Young or recently transplanted Potentilla are also more vulnerable than established plants. Tender new growth is softer and contains fewer deterrent compounds, making it occasionally nibbled. High-density deer populations that experience intense competition may develop different feeding habits, leading to damage even on plants typically avoided by other herds.
Strategies for Protecting Potentilla
For gardeners in areas facing high deer pressure or during vulnerable periods, simple management strategies can offer additional protection.
Physical Barriers
New plantings, where the root system is not fully established, can be shielded with temporary physical barriers like wire cages or netting for the first few weeks. This prevents initial browsing that can stunt the plant before it establishes.
Chemical Deterrents
The strategic use of scent or taste-based deterrents is effective, especially during high-risk winter months. Commercial repellents containing putrescent egg solids or capsaicin can be applied directly to the foliage. Alternating the type of repellent used prevents deer from becoming acclimated to a single scent or flavor, maintaining their wariness. Applying these treatments to the plant’s new growth or prior to periods of anticipated damage provides the best chance of success.