Six deer-resistant native species chosen for their wildlife value to pollinators while being unpalatable to deer.
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium Maculatum)
Majestic dusty-rose flower clusters crown impressive 4-7 foot stems in late summer, creating bold displays that butterflies adore while deer avoid the slightly vanilla-scented but bitter foliage. This architectural native provides dramatic focal points and exceptional wildlife value without deer pressure.
Height: 4-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per pack, covers 50 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Moist 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.
Bottle Gentian (Gentiana Andrewsii)
Unique deep blue bottle-shaped flowers that never fully open bloom in late summer and fall, attracting strong bumblebees while deer consistently pass over the bitter foliage. This rare and striking native thrives in moist conditions and remains untouched even in areas with heavy deer browsing.
Height: 1-2 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms August to October
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 100 seeds per pack, covers 20 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-6
*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.
Oxeye Sunflower (Heliopsis Helianthoides)
Cheerful yellow sunflower-like blooms appear from mid-summer through fall, beloved by butterflies and bees but typically avoided by deer due to the coarse, rough-textured foliage. This tough prairie native tolerates drought and poor soil while providing dependable color without deer damage.
Height: 3-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms June to September
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 40 seeds per pack, covers 30 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.
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia Laciniata)
Large yellow flowers with drooping petals bloom atop towering 4-9 foot stems in mid-to-late summer, attracting pollinators while deer typically avoid the coarse foliage. This moisture-tolerant native forms impressive clumps that provide reliable color and wildlife value in deer country.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms August to October
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 80 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.
Thimbleweed (Anemone Virginiana)
Delicate white flowers bloom in early summer followed by unique thimble-shaped seed heads, while fuzzy foliage and bitter compounds make this native unpalatable to deer. This woodland native thrives in partial shade and provides nectar for small bees and beneficial insects without attracting browsers.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms May to July
Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 75 seeds per pack, covers 20 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.
Canada Anemone (Anemone Canadensis)
Cheerful white flowers with golden centers bloom in late spring to early summer, brightening shady edges while deer avoid the fuzzy foliage and bitter compounds. This groundcover spreads to form attractive colonies that stabilize soil and provide reliable blooms without browsing pressure.
Height: 1 foot tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms May to June
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 30 seeds per pack, covers 10 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Double 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. Remove from refrigerator and store at room temperature for 6-8 weeks. Put seeds back in refrigerator for a second 6-8 week cold moist stratification. 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 for two seasons.
