Is the Asparagus Fern Deer Resistant?

Deer Resistance

• The University of Florida, University of California and Cornell University all list asparagus fern as deer resistant. It's good news to have universities from across the U.S. confirm that this plant is deer resistant, since different species of deer across the nation vary in their eating preferences.

Considerations

• Even if deer get a hold of your asparagus fern, they don't eat the roots. The roots of asparagus fern have white, tuberous rhizomes that store a cache of water and nutrients in case of drought. These stores can help the asparagus fern recover if a deer mows it down.

Protection Methods

• When deer are starving, they'll eat whatever is available. If you have the space, plant "trap plants" that the deer prefer, and that will recover quickly from grazing to keep them away from your asparagus fern. Deer repellents are temporary solutions at best, as nothing short of a fence will deter deer for long.