Are Morning Glories Deer Resistant?

Deer Resistance

• No plant is entirely deer proof, but some are more attractive to deer than others. Still, even ones that are relatively deer resistant are sometimes damaged by deer. Morning glories fall into this category. They are listed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County as a plant that is less appetizing to deer than others. On the other hand, morning glories are also rated by Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences as a plant that can be occasionally seriously damaged by deer. "Occasionally" is the key word. If the deer are hungry and have nothing else to munch on, they may damage your morning glories. In most cases, however, if there are other, tastier plants nearby, they will shun your morning glories.

Other Animals

• Just because deer often avoid these plants doesn't mean your pets will. Cats often nibble on plants, and some dogs will eat just about anything. Unfortunately, morning glory is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. They contain toxins called indole alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upsets including diarrhea. Consumption of the seeds may even cause your pet to experience hallucinations. If you suspect that your dog or cat ate some of the plant, call your local veterinarian for advice.

General Culture

• Morning glory vines thrive in full sun and in moist, fertile soil. Well-draining soil is best, as too much water in the soil can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. These tough vines can survive drought conditions, so err on the side of dryness when watering the plants. Morning glories are climbers, so provide a support structure. Since deer are normally timid, consider training a morning glory to grow right up the wall of your house -- the deer may not want to venture close enough to the structure to nibble on the plant.

Other Considerations

• Planting morning glory vines out of reach of deer is a good idea, as hungry deer may go head and consume the plant. Unfortunately, these fast-growing plants have a tendency to overtake and even smother nearby structures and plants. For this reason, they are classified as invasive weeds in some areas. The seeds are tough and can survive harsh conditions. They also germinate deeper than most annuals, which means that weed control may not reach them below the soil's surface. Take care to cultivate this vine where it will not become a nuisance to other plants or your neighbors.