Deer-Resistant Ground Cover for Septic Mounds

Beach Daisies

• Beach daisies will not attract deer and they require little or no watering to support them. Beach daisies reach heights of about 1 foot and will develop bright yellow flowers six to eight months out of the year. The silvery-green leaves have a fuzzy feel and attract butterflies.

Creeping Speedwell

• Growing up to 24 inches tall, creeping speedwell produces blue, star-shaped flowers during the summer. Once the creeping speedwell is established, it will thrive even in drought-like conditions. Creeping speedwell prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and is not an attractant for wildlife such as deer.

Sandwort

• Reaching heights of only 6 inches, sandwort covers the ground with mossy dark green foliage. The sandwort produces small white blooms in late spring and works well in rock gardens and as ground cover. Sandwort thrives in full sun or partial shade and can withstand long periods of drought. In addition, sandwort does not attract deer or other wildlife.

Coyote Brush

• A fast growing shrub, the coyote brush grows 2 to 3 feet with bright green leaves. From July to October, the coyote brush will develop clusters of white or yellow flowers. Coyote brush thrives in full sun and tolerates little to no watering. It does not typically attract deer.

Evening Primrose

• Evening primrose is a low-growing wildflower native to most parts of the United States. The primrose grows between 6 to 18 inches in height and develops white or pink flowers throughout the summer months. This compact wildflower does not attract deer and is resistant to water stress.

Saint-John’s-wort

• A taller option for ground cover, Saint-John’s-wort typically grows up to 18 to 60 inches and can withstand droughts and neglect. Saint-John’s-wort has long been used for herbal and medicinal purposes. However, this plant can be invasive and spreads quickly. St. John’s Wart grows in full to medium sun.

Woolly Yarrow

• Woolly yarrow reaches heights of up to 12 inches and thrives in drought-like conditions. This perennial plant features grayish-green leaves and smells good. The plant will produce yellow or white clusters of flowers during the summer. The woolly yarrow does attract hummingbirds and butterflies but not deer.