Deer Resistant Grasses

Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii)

• Japanese sedge is rarely, if ever, damaged by deer activity, according to Rutgers University. This clumping ornamental grass is popular for its long, graceful, slender blades of grass that are often variegated. It grows well in moist, nutrient-rich soil and in sun or partial shade. One Japanese sedge plant averages about 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It grows well as a border plant and in containers.

Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

• Blue fescue has a light, feathery appearance and a distinctive, bluish-green color. The color is due to a powdery coating on the very thin, individual blades of grass. This ornamental grass is a small, clumping type, growing only to between 6 and 12 inches tall. It grows best in full sun and moist soil, and looks especially good in groups or against flowers with pastel blooms.

Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)

• Pampas grass is a large, showy ornamental grass. This clumping grass can grow up to 12 feet tall, with flowers that tower another 2 or 3 feet above the grass blades. The long, arching blades of grass are quite sharp, but the flowers are feathery plumes in shades of pale pink or creamy white. These plants are quite hardy and will survive in even poor soils, according to Floridata, but prefer loamy, well-draining soils.

Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

• This ornamental grass is highly desirable for its foot-long, light purple spikes of flowers. The flowers and thin blades arch gracefully, often drooping down to touch the ground. These clumping plants can grow to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. There are many varieties which range in the color of the flowers and leaves from pale pink to dark purple and burgundy. Purple fountain grass is very drought-tolerant and prefers full sunlight.