Deer avoid plants for a variety of reasons, but color isn't one of them.
Some yellow flower plants are deer-resistant because they possess characteristics that make them unappealing to deer. But do they avoid yellow flowers in particular?
Studies indicate deer tend to be most influenced by taste, texture, and scent, but not color.
Below are yellow-flowering plants that are generally deer-resistant due to the properties mentioned above.
To enhance the effectiveness of deer-resistant varieties, consider integrating other deterrent methods such as fencing, using deer repellents like Liquid Fence, or companion planting with highly deer-resistant species.
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Description: Bright, cheerful yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.
Why Deer Avoid Them: The bulbs and leaves are toxic to deer.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Description: Fern-like foliage with clusters of small yellow flowers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Bitter taste and pungent scent.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Description: Bright, daisy-like yellow flowers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Slightly rough texture and bitter taste.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Description: Bright yellow (and orange) flowers with a strong scent.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Strong fragrance and slightly bitter taste.
Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.)
Description: Also known as black-eyed Susan, these plants have bright yellow petals with dark centers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Slightly hairy and rough leaves.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Description: Tall plants with clusters of small yellow flowers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Bitter taste and slightly rough texture.
Studies indicate deer tend to be most influenced by taste, texture, and scent, but not color.
Below are yellow-flowering plants that are generally deer-resistant due to the properties mentioned above.
To enhance the effectiveness of deer-resistant varieties, consider integrating other deterrent methods such as fencing, using deer repellents like Liquid Fence, or companion planting with highly deer-resistant species.
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Description: Bright, cheerful yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.
Why Deer Avoid Them: The bulbs and leaves are toxic to deer.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Description: Fern-like foliage with clusters of small yellow flowers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Bitter taste and pungent scent.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Description: Bright, daisy-like yellow flowers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Slightly rough texture and bitter taste.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Description: Bright yellow (and orange) flowers with a strong scent.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Strong fragrance and slightly bitter taste.
Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.)
Description: Also known as black-eyed Susan, these plants have bright yellow petals with dark centers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Slightly hairy and rough leaves.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Description: Tall plants with clusters of small yellow flowers.
Why Deer Avoid Them: Bitter taste and slightly rough texture.
While the yellow-flowering plants mentioned above are generally avoided by deer, it’s important to remember that no plant is entirely deer-proof. In periods of food scarcity, deer may nibble on plants they typically avoid.