Deer-Resistant Penstemon

Some species of penstemon are more deer-resistant than others.

Sometimes referred to as beardtongue, penstemon (Penstemon grandiflorus) is a popular flowering garden plant with over 275 species available. Many varieties of penstemon are deer-resistant and are known to deter deer browsing.

Description

Penstemon is an ornamental herbaceous perennial that blooms in a range of colors, including white, blue, pink, red and purple. Its flowers are funnel-shaped or tubular. Penstemon has a prominent stamen extending from the corolla, which is hairy in some species, thus the name beardtongue.

Deer Resistant Species

Deer-resistant species of penstemon include Penstemon baccharifolius, commonly referred to as rock penstemon or cut-leaf penstemon, Penstemon cobae, known as wild foxglove, large-flowered beardtongue, prairie penstemon and false foxglove and Penstemon laxiflorus, known as nodding beardtongue or loose-flowered penstemon.

Further Deer-proofing

No plant is entirely resistant to a hungry deer. While these species of penstemon tend to deter deer or grow back quickly if browsed, further protection from deer includes odor repellents and fencing.

References

• The University of Texas at Austin: Recommended Native Plants: Deer Resistant Species
• Colorado State University Extension: Critter Resistant Plants
• Colorado State University Extension: Preventing Deer Damage
• The Ohio State University: Penstemon Website