Native Plants

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Wednesday - March 25, 2015

From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Deer Resistant
Title: Are Verbena Annuals Deer Resistant?
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

Are Verbena Estrella Pink Star annuals deer resistant?

ANSWER:

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station have the following to say about deer resistant plants and Verbena hybrida cultivars ...

Realizing that no plant is deer proof, plants in the Rarely Damaged, and Seldom Severely Damaged categories would be best for landscapes prone to deer damage. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. Verbena are listed as being "seldom severely damaged."

For a list of deer resistant native species (or as much as can be), take a look at the Native Plants Special Collections web page at www.wildflower.org.