Crape myrtles are indeed deer resistant trees. This means that they are not a preferred food source for deer and are often left untouched by these animals. This is great news for gardeners and homeowners in areas where deer can be a nuisance.
One of the reasons why crape myrtles are not attractive to deer is their taste. The leaves, flowers, and bark of crape myrtles have a bitter and unpalatable flavor to deer. They are naturally equipped with compounds that make them less appealing as a food source. This natural defense mechanism helps to protect the tree from being browsed by deer.
In my own experience, I have planted crape myrtles in my garden and have not had any issues with deer feeding on them. This is in contrast to other plants and trees in my garden that have been heavily damaged by deer. I have found that crape myrtles are a reliable choice for deer-resistant landscaping.
It’s worth noting that while crape myrtles are generally deer resistant, there may be some instances where deer will still nibble on them. This can happen if there is a shortage of other food sources or if deer are particularly hungry. Additionally, young crape myrtle trees may be more susceptible to deer browsing as they have tender foliage. However, as the tree matures and becomes established, it becomes less appealing to deer.
If you live in an area with a high deer population, it’s always a good idea to take additional precautions to protect your crape myrtles. This can include using deer repellents or installing fencing around the trees. These measures can help to further deter deer from feeding on your crape myrtles.
Crape myrtles are considered to be deer resistant trees. Their bitter taste and natural defense mechanisms make them unappealing to deer as a food source. While there may be some instances where deer will still nibble on them, crape myrtles are generally a reliable choice for deer-resistant landscaping.