Deer are notorious for their appetite and ability to devour many plants in their path. However, there are certain plants that deer tend to avoid due to their toxicity or strong scents. In this answer, I will provide a detailed list of plants that deer are less likely to eat, along with some personal experiences and situations.
1. Daffodils: These bright and cheerful flowers are toxic to deer. The bulbs contain alkaloids that can cause stomach upset if ingested by deer. I have personally witnessed deer completely ignoring my daffodil bulbs, even when they were grazing nearby.
2. Foxgloves: These tall and elegant flowers contain cardiac glycosides, which are highly toxic to deer and many other animals. The bitter taste and toxicity of foxgloves make them unappealing to deer. I remember planting foxgloves in my garden and noticing that the deer always left them untouched.
3. Poppies: The sap of poppies contains alkaloids that can be harmful to deer if ingested. These vibrant and delicate flowers are often left alone by deer. I have seen fields of poppies where the surrounding plants were nibbled on, but the poppies remained untouched.
4. Sages: Many varieties of sage, such as Salvia officinalis, have a strong scent that deer find unpleasant. The pungent aroma of sage plants acts as a natural deterrent. I have planted sage in my garden as a border plant, and it has successfully kept deer away from my other more vulnerable flowers.
5. Lavender: The strong fragrance of lavender is another scent that deer tend to avoid. The aromatic oils present in lavender repel deer and make it a good choice for deer-resistant landscaping. I have planted lavender bushes near my vegetable garden, and they have effectively kept deer away from my crops.
6. Peonies: These beautiful and fragrant flowers have a strong scent that deer find unappealing. The large and showy blooms of peonies are often left untouched by deer. I have a peony bush in my backyard, and even though deer regularly visit, they have never shown any interest in the peonies.
7. Bearded irises: Deer generally avoid bearded irises due to their strong scent and unpalatable taste. The fuzzy texture of the beard on the iris petals may also deter deer from eating them. I have witnessed deer grazing in a garden where bearded irises were planted, but they always bypassed those flowers.
There are several plants that deer are less likely to eat due to their toxicity or strong scents. Daffodils, foxgloves, poppies, sages, lavender, peonies, and bearded irises are some examples of deer-resistant plants. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a more deer-resistant landscape. However, it is important to note that while these plants are generally avoided by deer, hungry or desperate deer may still nibble on them in certain situations.