Stonecrop, botanically known under the genera Sedum and Hylotelephium, is a popular, hardy succulent appreciated for its diverse foliage, vibrant colors, and drought tolerance. These plants are widely used in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover in residential landscapes. For many homeowners, the presence of deer is a significant challenge. The question of whether stonecrop can withstand local deer populations is a frequent concern for maintaining an attractive outdoor space.
The Classification of Stonecrop as Deer Resistant
Stonecrop is widely categorized in gardening resources as highly deer resistant, meaning deer will rarely choose to eat it. The term “deer resistant” signifies a plant is generally unpalatable, not that it is entirely deer-proof. Both the low-growing, creeping varieties (Sedum) and the taller, upright types (Hylotelephium) share this protective characteristic. The popular ‘Autumn Joy’ stonecrop, for example, is consistently noted for its low appeal to browsing animals. However, even plants with a high resistance rating may still occasionally show signs of nibbling or light damage.
Plant Characteristics That Deter Deer
The primary reason deer avoid stonecrop lies in its unique physical and chemical characteristics, which create a strong natural defense against herbivory. Stonecrop plants are succulents, meaning their leaves and stems are thick and fleshy, designed to store water. This texture, often described as sticky or rubbery, is generally unappealing to a deer’s palate and mouthfeel. The leaves also contain specific compounds that contribute to an undesirable flavor when chewed. Many varieties possess a bitter taste in their sap or foliage, a common defense mechanism. This bitterness is a sensory cue that deer learn to associate with an unpleasant feeding experience, causing them to move on to more palatable vegetation. This combination of thick, uninviting texture and bitter flavor effectively removes stonecrop from the deer’s preferred diet list.
Situations Where Deer Still Browse Stonecrop
While stonecrop is generally avoided, its resistance is not absolute, and certain external conditions can override a deer’s natural aversion.
Scarcity of Food
The most common factor is extreme hunger or a scarcity of preferred food, often occurring during late winter or severe drought. When their typical diet is depleted, deer will consume almost any plant material available to avoid starvation, making resistant plants vulnerable to browsing.
Plant Maturity and Local Habits
Newly planted stonecrops can also be more susceptible to damage than mature, established plants. The tissue of young plants is often softer and less developed, lacking the full concentration of defensive bitter compounds and tough texture found in older growth. Furthermore, the behavior of local deer populations can vary, as a herd may develop a localized habit of consuming plants normally avoided in other regions. To minimize risk, gardeners can ensure new plants are adequately watered to prevent the softening of tissues and consider temporary physical barriers around young stonecrops until they are fully established.