By Cathy Weston
Photograph by Cathy Weston
While we are usually as thrilled as Julie when we encounter wildlife (see her article on page 3), we may not be enthusiastic about deer predating on shrubs in our yards.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a deer-proof shrub. When deer are hungry, they will eat almost anything, and they will often give newly planted shrubs a taste test.
However, there are some less-preferred shrubs they tend to avoid, those with prickly textures, strong scents, or unseen poisons. Here are some native shrubs that fall into that category and that you might consider for your landscape. Note, these shrubs will also support lepidoptera and other pollinators. Many local nurseries carry native shrubs; make sure you ask for the species by the botanical name so you get the right native shrub, and check for each shrub’s preferred growing conditions.
Large Shrubs (Over 8 feet)
Pagoda dogwood (Swida alternifolia)
With a single trunk that grows to 15-20’ and wide branches, the mature tree has the shape of a pagoda. It blooms with white flowers in the spring and prefers a moist environment.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis or A. laevis)
Also known as the shadbush or June berry, this shrub can grow as a single-stem trunk or as a multi-stem shrub. It has early white flowers and, as you might guess, delicious berries in June.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Unlike most non-native witch hazels, the native shrub, which grows in the understory, has yellow-orange blooms in October.
Medium Shrubs (3-8 feet)
Sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina)
Just 3’ tall with small leaves that have a lovely aroma when touched, this shrub will slowly colonize when it likes its conditions.
Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
With fine leaves and a slow growth rate, the inkberry is the perfect native shrub to use instead of boxwood for a more formal look in the landscape.
Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis)
This is the quintessential Cape Cod shrub with distinctive wavy leaves and scented berries.
Small Shrubs (Under 3 feet)
Shrubby cinquefoil (Desiphora floribunda)
Although a bit scruffy-looking, this tough shrub has small yellow blooms all summer.
Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)
You see these in the woods, creating a carpet under pine and oak trees. Wildlife and humans alike prize their currant-like berry.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursa)
Thriving in dry sandy conditions that few other plants will grow in, bearberry forms a low shrubby ground cover.
Shrubs for Wet Conditions
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
The straight species will grow to 8’, but cultivars can be shorter. All have bright berries in fall and winter if a male shrub is nearby.
High-bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
This shrub has a lovely vase shape and bright red fall coloring, with the berries as a bonus.
Pussy willow (Salix discolor)
A large shrub that shines in the late winter and spring with the distinctive fuzzy buds.