Yes, catmint (Nepeta spp.) is widely considered to be highly deer resistant.
Why is Catmint Deer Resistant?
Deer typically avoid catmint due to a combination of its characteristics:
- Aromatic Foliage: Catmint plants possess strong, minty, or pungent essential oils in their leaves and stems. Deer, which rely heavily on their sense of smell to identify palatable food, generally find these strong scents unappealing and will often bypass catmint in favor of other plants.
- Leaf Texture: The leaves of many catmint varieties are often fuzzy, hairy, or somewhat coarse. Deer tend to prefer smoother, more tender foliage and may be deterred by these textures.
Important Considerations
While catmint is an excellent choice for gardens frequented by deer, keep the following in mind:
- No Plant is Completely Deer-Proof: In conditions of extreme food scarcity, very high deer populations, or during severe drought, even highly resistant plants like catmint might be sampled by desperate deer. Young, newly planted catmint may also be more vulnerable than established plants.
- Degree of Resistance: Most Nepeta species and cultivars are reliably deer resistant. The strong scent is a consistent deterrent across the genus.
Overall, catmint is a robust and reliable perennial choice for gardeners seeking plants that deer are very unlikely to browse, making it a valuable addition to deer-resistant landscaping plans.
