Are shade grasses deer resistant?
Often, but not always. Grasses and grass-like plants are generally considered deer resistant, in part because their narrow, fibrous, sometimes rough or tough leaves are not a favorite food. Nursery guides commonly say that many ornamental grasses are deer resistant “by virtue of texture alone.”
There is an important caveat, though. As one northeastern nursery puts it, there is no such thing as a deer-proof plant. Deer browsing varies by region, season, local deer population and how much other food is available. In a hard winter or a year with a large deer population, deer may sample plants they usually ignore. “Deer resistant” means a plant is less likely to be eaten, not that it will be left alone.
Grasses and grass-like plants deer tend to leave alone
Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra). Nursery descriptions commonly list it as resistant to deer, pests and disease. It prefers part shade and moist, rich soil. See our Japanese forest grass guide.
Sedges (Carex). Sedges are widely used in deer-prone gardens. Japanese sedges such as ‘Ice Dance’ and the EverColor series, and native sedges like Pennsylvania sedge, are commonly recommended. For options by light and moisture, see our guide to the best Carex varieties for shade gardens.
Liriope and mondo grass. Variegated lilyturf and mondo grass are often marketed as deer tolerant. They are grass-like groundcovers that suit shade, and you can compare them in our guide to liriope versus mondo grass.
Sweet flag (Acorus gramineus). Its aromatic, citrus-scented foliage is one reason it is often recommended where deer are an issue. It prefers moist soil.
Korean feather reed grass, tufted hair grass and woodrush. These are generally treated as low-appeal browse, but they are less often named in deer lists than the plants above, so watch how deer in your area behave.
Northern sea oats. It is often planted in woodland gardens, but we have less consistent information about deer, so treat it as a plant to test before relying on it.
Companions that share the benefit
Planting grasses with other deer-resistant shade plants makes a stronger design. Plants commonly mentioned as ones deer avoid include:
- Hellebores
- Brunnera
- Astilbe
- Epimedium
- Bergenia
- Ferns, which are widely listed as deer resistant
Using several of these around your grasses gives you color and texture, and if deer sample one plant, the whole bed is less likely to disappear.
Tips for lowering deer damage
- Protect new plantings. Young, freshly planted perennials tend to be more vulnerable. Use netting, cages or repellent in the first season.
- Mix in strongly textured or aromatic plants. Deer often avoid plants with fuzzy, leathery, bristly or strongly scented leaves.
- Plant in masses. Large groups recover more easily than single specimens if some leaves are nibbled.
- Rotate repellents. If you use repellent sprays, follow the label and reapply, especially after rain.
- Consider fencing for high deer pressure. A fence is the only reliable solution.
- Ask locally. Your cooperative extension office or a local nursery will know what deer in your area actually eat.
Grasses that deer ignore can still be cut back in late winter or early spring, as with other shade grasses.
Zone 5 notes
Hakone grass, many sedges and liriope are suited to zone 5 in most cases, though hardiness varies by species and cultivar (see hardy ornamental grasses for zones 5 and 6). For cold-climate options see our guide to ornamental grasses suitable for zone 5. For the bigger picture, see our main guide to ornamental grasses for shade and part shade.