Six deer-resistant native species chosen for their wildlife value to pollinators while being unpalatable to deer.
Boneset (Eupatorium Perfoliatum)
White fuzzy flower clusters bloom in late summer, attracting diverse butterflies and beneficial insects while deer avoid the bitter, slightly toxic foliage. This moisture-tolerant native has been used medicinally for its strong compounds - the same properties that make it unpalatable to deer.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to October
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 150 seeds per pack, covers 40 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana)
Spikes of pink tubular flowers bloom from late summer into fall, providing nectar for migrating butterflies and hummingbirds while deer typically leave the minty-scented foliage alone. This moisture-loving native spreads to form colonies that deer consistently bypass in favor of more palatable plants.
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: 70 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a reusable container or plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Maximilian's Sunflower (Helianthus Maximiliani)
Bright yellow sunflower blooms line tall stems in late summer and fall, attracting butterflies and bees while deer generally avoid the coarse, rough-textured foliage. This towering native provides reliable late-season color and wildlife value without the worry of deer damage.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms September to October
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 175 seeds per pack, covers 40 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Golden Alexanders (Zizia Aurea)
Bright yellow umbrella-shaped flower clusters bloom in late spring, providing early-season nectar for pollinators while deer avoid the aromatic carrot-family foliage. This adaptable native is rarely browsed and offers dependable spring color in areas with heavy deer pressure.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms April to June
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 80 seeds per pack, covers 15 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon Digitalis)
White tubular flowers with subtle purple markings bloom on tall spikes in late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies while deer typically pass over the slightly bitter foliage. This versatile native is consistently deer-resistant and provides reliable blooms without browsing damage.
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms June to July
Soil Moisture: Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-8
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Nodding Wild Onion(Allium Cernuum)
Delicate pink nodding flower clusters bloom in mid-summer, attracting butterflies and pollinators while deer avoid the onion-scented foliage. This elegant native provides reliable blooms in deer-prone areas thanks to the pungent oils that make all alliums unpalatable to browsers.
Height: 1-1.5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms July to August
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 40 seeds per pack, covers 6.5 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
