Here are some of the native flowers that deer are not so keen on
There are some native flowers that have a much better chance than average at standing up to mammalian browsing, specifically those with aromatic, hairy and leathery foliage. Plants with thick, milky sap may also work. I talked with about a dozen native-plant and wildlife gardeners around the U.S., as well as consulted university studies, to compile a list of 10 native flowers that can stand up to deer. Remember, nothing is 100 percent deerproof, and what works for your neighbor across the road might not work for you ? deer are just aggravating like that.
Anise Hyssop
(Agastache foeniculum)
Native to the northern quarter of the U.S. from Washington state to New York and New Hampshire Anise hyssop loves dry sand to clay soils. The 2- to 3-feet-tall blooms go on for weeks in high summer, and various bee and insect species cover them from morning till night. The foliage is highly aromatic, reminiscent of licorice, and deer don?t eat licorice, right? In richer, loamy clay soils, it might self-sow moderately.Nodding Onion(Allium cernuum)
Native in the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains and scattered areas throughout the eastern Plains, the entire Midwest and parts of the eastern U.S.Nodding onion attracts bumblebees and short-tongued bees, as it blooms in midsummer. It is adaptable, doing well in slightly moist to dry conditions. It?s great for a midheight ground cover (12 to 18 inches tall). You can use the bulbs in cooking like you would any other type of onion.Wild Bergamot
(Monarda fistulosa)
Native from the Rockies to almost all points east in the U.S.There?s a reason one of the common names for Monarda is bee balm ? I?ll let you guess why. Wild bergamot blooms for several weeks in mid to late summer. It will self-sow in loamy soil, where it also might flop over a bit too much. It?s adaptable in full sun, doing equally well in slightly moist to dry soils and reaching 3 to 4 feet tall. It is awash in fragrant leaves, just like other Monardas you may be familiar with, so it may make a good ?smelly? border or screen that deer might not cross. Remember, with deer there are just no guarantee, but this one has worked for lots of gardeners.
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Carrie Lee