Deer find asters unpalatable and generally do not prefer their texture. However, deer may feed on the flowers in late summer and fall when other food sources are becoming scarce. Overall, rabbits are much more of a threat to asters than deer and can cause severe damage to the plant at any time during the growing season.
Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) have a B rating on the Rutgers University scale meaning they are seldom severely damaged by deer. New England asters, also known as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, seem to the least favored variety by rabbits. Deer will also avoid them but may predate the flowers in fall if other food sources are unavailable.
| Rarely Damaged |
| Seldom Severely Damaged |
| Occasionally Severely Damaged |
| Frequently Severely Damaged |
Keeping Deer Away From Asters
If deer are damaging your asters, you may need to provide protection, as too much damage by these animals can kill the plant. Commercial repellents such as Liquid Fence Deer and Rabbit offer some protection against these herbivores, although protective fencing or cages may be needed as well. Planting small, thorny shrubs or perennials around asters can help to deter deer and rabbits. Deer will most likely eat the flowers and not the woody stems, whereas rabbits typically nibble the new growth.
Will Asters Come Back After Deer Eat Them?
Asters are tough perennials and any foraging by small herbivores is unlikely to damage or kill the plant. Pruning out any damaged stems may help to rejuvenate the plant. You can also cut the entire plant back by one-third to even out any damaged sections. An addition of compost or well-rotted manure may be used as a top dressing to nourish the plant and promote new growth. This should be done in late fall or early spring.
Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018
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Author Chris Link - Published 08-29-2022 |