Ornamental Grasses for High Deer Browse Areas

There are some areas where deer tend to run rampant through a garden or yard. In these areas we can see signs of their destruction on limbs, flowers, and leaves. I know it seems that on the lower sections of my yard, the deer browsing is getting a bit out of hand. However, according to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, there are some ornamental grasses that deer will rarely browse. These make for better selections in areas that are overcome with deer browsing. I'm looking at getting some of the inland sea oats to put in those lower landscape areas to see if it helps the overall look of the yard and cuts down on deer browsing. These selections were all on the list for grasses that deer rarely browse researched from NPIN.

Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Also known as Uniola latifolia, river oats, flathead oats, wild oats, and Upland oats, this native grass is a member of the Poaceae family of plants. It grows 2 to 4 feet high in a clump form with oat-like spikelets and arching branches. Leaves are blue-green and turn yellow-gold in the fall. It prefers to grow in partial to full shade conditions with a moist acidic soil. Propagate by seed or by root division.

Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

Also called hair grass, pink muhly, and hair-awn muhly, this native grass is a member of the Poaceae family of plants. It grows 1 1/2 to 3 feet high with large seed heads and purple spikelets. There is a feathery look to the entire plant and it can have a deep pink tone. It prefers to grow in full sun with a moist soil. Propagate by seed.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Also known botanically as Andropogon scoparius or Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium, this native grass grows up to three feet high. It has fine textured leaves and blue-green stems. Stems are red with white seed tufts come fall season. It prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade with a dry well-drained soil. Propagate by seed or root division.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Also known as wand panic grass, this native grows 3 to 6 feet high. It has lacy sprays of grass and small seeds. There are red-purple seed heads. Leaves are bright green and turn bright yellow in the fall. Seed heads are pale yellow in fall. It prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade with a dry or moist soil. Propagate by seed.

Source:

University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
NPIN: Inland Sea Oats
NPIN: Gulf Muhly
NPIN: Little Bluestem
NPIN: Switchgrass

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