Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Article Image Alt Text
  • Article Image Alt Text

Plants for shade with deer

Our native Escarpment Oak trees provide beauty as well as welcome relief from the Texas sun. I was recently asked to suggest plants that would do well in moderate shade in the presence of deer.

At the time of this writing my Heart-Leaf Skullcap with blue flowers is blooming in the shade. This is considered a ground cover because it spreads readily. Deer do not seem to like fuzzy leaves so they leave this plant alone. When the real heat of summer arrives it dies back, but will reappear in abundance in the late winter.

Cedar Sage is another native low growing plant with bright red flowers. It reseeds itself, but not aggressively. It blooms off and on depending upon the moisture. It is also drought tolerant.

Madrensis is a Mexican yellow sage that can get 4 feet tall. It grows undeterred by deer in moderate shade and blooms late in the fall. I do need to water it during dry spells and it may take a few years to reach maturity.

Mexican Bush Sage blooms well in moderate shade and is drought tolerant. It can form a big clump in a suitable environment. It is usually about 3 to 4 feet tall.

On the shady path of our Cypress Creek Nature Preserve in downtown Wimberley you will find Inland Sea Oats, Frostweed, Red Buckeye, American Beautyberry and Yaupon. The deer have access to this trail.

I have Agave growing in my front yard under the trees. They can get to be over six feet tall. The deer will rub their antlers on them if they are exposed so it is best to put them under low hanging Oak trees or against a wall. They have huge spines so do not put them near a walkway.

All of these plants do better if the shade is not too dense. Deer are curious so the plants should be protected initially. Fall is the best time to plant new perennials.

Written by Jackie Mattice, Hays County Master Naturalist

Wimberley View

P.O. Box 49
Wimberley, TX 78676
Phone: 512-847-2202
Fax: 512-847-9054