Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Do Deer Eat Holly Bush Berries?

...
Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images

In areas of the United States with large deer populations, it is not uncommon to find the deer grazing in a yard, making a quick meal of many landscape plants. Some plants, like the American holly, are rarely bothered by the deer.

American Holly

The American holly bush is one of the less likely landscape plants to become a dinner for a hungry deer. The deer often avoid this plant and damage rarely occurs, according to the Rutgers University database of deer-resistant plants.

Toxicity

In humans, the berries of the holly plant are toxic. When ingested, the red berries cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Deer may also experience similar problems when eating from the holly bush.

  • In areas of the United States with large deer populations, it is not uncommon to find the deer grazing in a yard, making a quick meal of many landscape plants.
  • The deer often avoid this plant and damage rarely occurs, according to the Rutgers University database of deer-resistant plants.

Structure

The plant's structure is also a reason the deer tend to avoid this plant. Berry clusters are surrounded by thick, glossy evergreen leaves which sport sharp spines on the end. Spines, like thorns, act as a natural deer deterrent.

Deer-Resistant Landscaping

Planting shrubs like the American holly and perennial flowers with a high deer-resistant rating is an ideal way to create a lush landscape with little concern for deer. Contact a local nursery for more information about planting American holly and other deer-resistant varieties for your region.

Holly Bushes & Deer

The need for a permanent solution to “the deer problem” usually begins when people wander out into their yard to discover that these garden trespassers have mowed down some beloved shrubs. Unfortunately, there isn’t a permanent solution. “ Holly, though, is a good garden choice for deterring deer. Still, you can successfully develop a deer-resistant landscape by growing plants they don’t like. Deer generally dislike aromatic or pungent plants, including those that have milky sap or have a bitter taste. Protect vulnerable garden areas closer to the house with deer fencing or deer-resistant hedges--an excellent use for holly--and use deer repellents for extra discouragement. Hollies that are “sometimes severely damaged” and not as well-suited to deter deer are Blue holly, Japanese holly and Pernyi holly. Hollies can tolerate some shade, but plant them in full sun for the best berry production.

  • The plant's structure is also a reason the deer tend to avoid this plant.
  • Planting shrubs like the American holly and perennial flowers with a high deer-resistant rating is an ideal way to create a lush landscape with little concern for deer.

Related Articles

Do Deer Eat Zinnias or Gerber Daisies?
Do Deer Eat Zinnias or Gerber Daisies?
Cosmos Flowers & Deer
Cosmos Flowers & Deer
Sedum Autumn Joy & Deer
Sedum Autumn Joy & Deer
Are Old Fashioned Snowball Bushes Deer Resistant?
Are Old Fashioned Snowball Bushes Deer Resistant?
Flowers That Deer Hate
Flowers That Deer Hate
Do Deer Eat Pansies?
Do Deer Eat Pansies?
Deer-Resistant Ornamental Grasses
Deer-Resistant Ornamental Grasses
Deer Resistant Plants in Wisconsin
Deer Resistant Plants in Wisconsin
Are Emerald Green Arborvitae Deer Resistant?
Are Emerald Green Arborvitae Deer Resistant?
Deer Resistant Tiger Lily
Deer Resistant Tiger Lily
Is Bougainvillea Deer Resistant?
Is Bougainvillea Deer Resistant?
How to Keep Deer Away From Hostas
How to Keep Deer Away From Hostas
What Kinds of Plants Do Squirrels Hate?
What Kinds of Plants Do Squirrels Hate?
Which Animals Eat Blueberries?
Which Animals Eat Blueberries?
Are Basil Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Are Basil Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Deer Resistant Climbing Plants
Deer Resistant Climbing Plants
Are Physocarpus Opulifolius Deer Resistant?
Are Physocarpus Opulifolius Deer Resistant?
Garden Guides
×