Witch hazel (Hamamelis species) is a genus of flowering shrubs popular for landscape planting. Its unique, spidery flowers often bloom in late fall or early winter, providing color when other plants are dormant. The most common species are the native North American Hamamelis virginiana and the hybrid Hamamelis x intermedia. Witch hazel is generally considered highly resistant to deer browsing, making it a reliable addition to gardens with high deer pressure.
The Deer Resistance Rating
Horticultural resources consistently classify witch hazel as a plant rarely damaged by deer. This means deer almost always pass over the shrub in favor of more palatable forage nearby. The resistance rating applies broadly across the entire genus, including native American and Asian/hybrid varieties. In areas with a diverse food supply, witch hazel will likely remain untouched, serving as a deterrent to protect less-resistant plants surrounding it.
The Chemical Reason Deer Avoid It
The primary defense mechanism in witch hazel is its distinctive chemical composition, which creates a highly unappealing taste and mouthfeel for deer. The bark and leaves of the plant are rich in tannins, a type of naturally occurring polyphenol. These compounds are astringents, responsible for the dry, puckering sensation one experiences when tasting an unripe fruit.
When a deer attempts to consume the foliage or woody stems, the tannins bind to proteins in its saliva and mucous membranes. This protein-binding action causes an unpleasant, bitter, and drying sensation, immediately signaling that the plant is not a good food source. The concentration of tannins is particularly high in the bark, providing a strong, year-round deterrent.
Specifically, the molecule hamamelitannin is a dominant compound contributing to this robust defense. High tannin levels also interfere with the deer’s digestive process. Tannins act as anti-nutrients, making the plant difficult to digest and reducing the nutritional value. This combination of bad flavor and poor digestibility encourages the animal to seek easier, more nutritious food elsewhere.
When Deer Ignore the Resistance
While witch hazel is highly resistant, it is not immune to browsing. The plant’s defenses can be overridden by specific environmental or population pressures. The most common reason for deer to ignore the natural deterrent is severe food scarcity. This often occurs during a harsh winter when deep snow covers preferred vegetation or during extreme drought conditions.
High population density of deer can also lead to browsing, as competition forces animals to consume less desirable plants. The deer are prioritizing calorie intake over taste avoidance when faced with starvation. The newest growth is also the most vulnerable to being sampled. Young, tender shoots typically contain slightly lower concentrations of the deterrent compounds, potentially causing minor cosmetic damage to the plant.
Protecting Young Witch Hazel Plants
Gardeners should employ physical exclusion methods during the establishment phase of newly planted witch hazel. Young shrubs, especially those under three feet tall, are more susceptible to browsing damage because their tender stems are easily reached. The most effective strategy is installing temporary physical barriers, such as a simple cage made from wire mesh or durable plastic netting secured with stakes. The barrier should be at least five feet tall and wide enough to allow the plant room to grow.
This exclusion also protects the bark from antler rubbing damage, which bucks inflict primarily in the fall and winter. While commercial repellents can be applied, they require frequent reapplication after rain or when new leaves emerge. Physical barriers offer a more reliable, one-time solution until the plant matures and its natural resistance becomes fully effective. Once established, the need for intensive protection typically diminishes.