If you live in an area with deer, you already know the struggle of growing a beautiful garden only to find it nibbled to the roots overnight.
But which plants are safe, and which ones are deer favorites?
credit:robertlandscapes.com
Let’s go plant-by-plant to explore what deer are likely to eat — and what they might avoid.
🌼 Do Deer Eat Zinnias?
Rarely.
Zinnias are typically deer-resistant due to their rough texture and strong scent.
However, in times of extreme hunger, deer may sample them.
✅ Usually safe
⚠️ Occasionally nibbled if food is scarce
🌿 Do Deer Eat Caladiums?
Sometimes.
Deer are attracted to the tender leaves of caladiums, especially younger plants. These tropical beauties can be vulnerable.
⚠️ Moderately attractive to deer
❌ Not deer-resistant
🍃 Do Deer Eat Coral Bells (Heuchera)?
Rarely.
Coral bells are generally deer-resistant, thanks to their bitter taste and slightly fuzzy leaves.
✅ Good choice for deer-prone gardens
🌸 Do Deer Eat Penstemon?
Uncommon.
Penstemon has a taste and texture that deer usually dislike. It’s considered deer-resistant, especially mature plants.
✅ Usually untouched
🧪 Great for native pollinator gardens
🌺 Do Deer Eat Clematis?
Sometimes.
Deer can and do eat clematis vines, particularly young shoots and buds. Older, woody vines are less appealing.
⚠️ Needs protection in deer-heavy areas
🛡️ Use fencing or repellents
🌻 Do Deer Eat Wildflowers?
It depends.
Deer may eat some wildflowers like sunflowers, coneflowers, or cosmos, but often avoid those with strong scents, hairy stems, or bitter sap.
⚠️ Choose wisely — native wildflowers like yarrow or goldenrod are more resistant.
🍑 Do Deer Eat Peaches?
Yes!
Deer love peaches. They’ll eat the fruit, leaves, and even the bark of young trees.
❌ Highly attractive
🛡️ Fencing is a must
🌸 Do Deer Eat Wisteria?
Occasionally.
Wisteria isn’t a top favorite, but deer will sample shoots and leaves if they can reach them.
⚠️ Young plants are vulnerable
✅ Mature vines are more resilient
🌳 Do Deer Eat Tree Bark?
Yes.
In winter or food-scarce times, deer strip bark from trees, especially fruit trees and young saplings.
❌ High-risk
🛡️ Use tree guards or wraps
🌾 Do Deer Eat Grass?
Yes.
Deer naturally graze on grass and clover, especially in open meadows.
✅ Normal part of their diet
🌾 Do Deer Eat Millet?
Yes.
Millet is very palatable to deer, especially in grain or seed form.
❌ Vulnerable crop
🛡️ Needs protection in fields
🥬 Do Deer Eat Celery?
Yes.
Celery is tender, moist, and an easy target for deer.
❌ Frequently eaten in gardens
🍃 Do Deer Eat Cucumber Vines?
Yes.
Deer will munch on both cucumber vines and fruit. New growth is particularly tasty to them.
❌ High-risk vegetable
🛡️ Use fencing or netting
🥬 Do Deer Eat Collard Greens?
Definitely.
Collards are like a salad bar for deer — they love leafy greens!
❌ Very attractive to deer
🍇 Do Deer Eat Raspberries?
Yes.
Deer enjoy raspberry leaves, canes, and fruit. Even thorny stems don’t stop them.
❌ Protect your berry patch
🐴 Do Deer Eat Hay Bales?
Sometimes.
Deer may graze on alfalfa or grass hay, especially during winter or if food is limited.
⚠️ May visit hay storage areas
🍿 Do Deer Eat Popcorn?
Yes – if it’s accessible.
Deer love corn and may eat unpopped kernels or leftover cobs.
❌ Keep it stored away securely
🌾 Do Deer Eat Straw?
No – not for food.
Deer don’t typically eat dry straw (it’s too tough and not nutritious), but may lay in it or trample it.
✅ Safe as mulch
🧼 Not a food source
🌳 Do Deer Eat Fig Trees?
Yes.
Deer enjoy fig leaves and fruit, especially if the tree is young or low-growing.
❌ Needs protection in deer-heavy zones
🌸 Do Deer Eat Gazania?
Rarely.
Gazania is a drought-tolerant, deer-resistant flower with leathery leaves that deer don’t favor.
✅ Great for sunny, safe gardens
🔥 Do Deer Eat Celosia?
Rarely.
Celosia has a unique texture and is typically left alone by deer.
✅ Good option for color and protection
🌷 Do Deer Eat Freesia?
Sometimes.
Freesia has a strong fragrance, which usually repels deer, but it’s not totally immune.
⚠️ May get nibbled, especially in bud stage
🌸 Do Deer Eat Lobelia?
Occasionally.
Some lobelia varieties are mildly deer-resistant, but tender young plants may still be targeted.
⚠️ Use in combination with more resistant species
🧑🌾 Summary Table: Do Deer Eat These Plants?
| Plant | Deer Reaction | Deer-Resistant? |
|---|---|---|
| Zinnias | Occasionally | ✅ Yes |
| Caladiums | Sometimes | ❌ No |
| Coral Bells | Rarely | ✅ Yes |
| Penstemon | Rarely | ✅ Yes |
| Clematis | Sometimes | ⚠️ Partial |
| Wildflowers | Varies by species | ⚠️ Varies |
| Peaches | Yes | ❌ No |
| Wisteria | Occasionally | ⚠️ Partial |
| Tree Bark | Yes | ❌ No |
| Grass | Yes | ✅ Natural Diet |
| Millet | Yes | ❌ No |
| Celery | Yes | ❌ No |
| Cucumber Vines | Yes | ❌ No |
| Collard Greens | Yes | ❌ No |
| Raspberries | Yes | ❌ No |
| Hay Bales | Sometimes | ⚠️ Risky |
| Popcorn | Yes | ❌ No |
| Straw | No | ✅ Not Food |
| Fig Trees | Yes | ❌ No |
| Gazania | Rarely | ✅ Yes |
| Celosia | Rarely | ✅ Yes |
| Freesia | Sometimes | ⚠️ Partial |
| Lobelia | Occasionally | ⚠️ Partial |
🌟 Final Thoughts
Deer can be selective yet opportunistic eaters. While many of the plants listed are generally deer-resistant, no plant is completely safe during food shortages.
If you’re gardening in deer country, consider combining fencing, natural deterrents, and careful plant selection to protect your space.
