Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_40.gif)
Saturday - June 09, 2012
From: Oxford, MI
Region: Southeast
Topic: Deer Resistant, Groundcovers
Title: Deer proof ground cover for sunny area in Mississippi
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking for a low ground cover that will thrive in a sunny location and is deer proofANSWER:
In the first place, there are no "deer proof" plants. There are plants that are deer resistant—usually. However, when times get tough for deer, they will sometimes eat those plants that they formerly avoided. In general, aromatic plants like those in the Family Lamiaceae (Mint Family) are avoided by deer, but there are others. Here are a few that are native to Mississippi, evergreen or semi-evergreen, love the sun and are low ground covers that deer avoid:
Phlox subulata (Moss phlox), according to Harding's Gardens (Ithaca, NY) and Missouri Botanical Gardens, it is deer resistant.
Carex texensis (Texas sedge) does well in sun and part shade.
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit) is semi-evergreen, but grows in sun and part shade.
Salvia lyrata (Lyreleaf sage) is evergreen with blue flowers.
You can see more deer resistant plants in our list Deer Resistant Species list. You can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to select "Mississippi" from Select State or Province to see those plants on the list that are native to Mississippi.
From the Image Gallery
More Deer Resistant Questions
Shady Perennial Groundcover Suggestions for Indiana
April 21, 2013 - Could you please recommend perennial groundcovers for Indiana that are low and leafy, self-spreading, non-invasive, deer resistant, and moisture tolerant; and that are good for erosion control on a sh...
view the full question and answer
Native grasses and wildflowers to attract butterflies in Blanco Co., TX
February 23, 2005 - Could you please recommend (native, xeriscape, deer resistant) grasses and flowers that attract butterflies that can be grown in Blanco County?
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for Maryland Slope in Deer Country
July 03, 2016 - I have a 20-30% grade hill in Maryland. I am looking for a groundcover plant (for example ivy) that I can plant on the hill. I have the following issues: clay soil, deer, full sun, limited water sourc...
view the full question and answer
Determining best time to harvest deer grass seeds in California
September 06, 2006 - When is the best time to harvest deer grass seeds at about 4,000 feet in southern Riverside County California??
view the full question and answer
Recommendation for variety of St. Johnswort (Hypericum spp.)
April 14, 2008 - Hi. Can you please recommend a variety of St. Johnswort for my yard in the Texas Hill Country? The planting bed is on a southern side of the house, and is shielded from afternoon sun by a tree. The ar...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |