Deer Resistant Herbs

Many Central Texas gardeners are plagued by plant-munching deer. When it comes to herbs, there are no “deer-proof” varieties, only those that are “deer resistant.” If food is scarce, deer will eat whatever is around.

Some flowering herbs that deer might not eat:

Autumn Sage                 
Bee Balm
Black & Blue Sage
Goldeneye
Mealey Blue Sage
Moss Verbena  
Pink Skullcap             
Skeletonleaf 
Texas Betony
White Mistflower
Wooly Stemodia
Yellow Columbine
Yellowbells (Esperanza)

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Following is a list of herbs known to be avoided by deer, but no guarantees (the deer have not read the list!):
Basil

Catnip
Chives
Garlic Chives
Germander
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Mexican Mint Marigold
Oregano                        
Regla
Rosemary
Rue
Sages
Salvias
Santolina
Silver King Artemisia
Tansy
Wormwood
Yarrow