Are Elephant Ears Deer Resistant?

Do deer like Elephant Ears? Generally, the answer is no. Deer may eat the large, leafy plant in desperate times, but it is not very common.

According to Rutgers University, this plant is Seldom Severely Damaged on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged.

Rarely Damaged
Seldom Severely Damaged
Occasionally Severely Damaged
Frequently Severely Damaged

How To Keep Deer Away From Elephant Ears?

Since deer generally do not eat Elephant Ears, it is typically not necessary to take any steps to protect the plant. This plant may even be used to help repel deer, so you may want to consider planting Elephant Ears near landscape plants deer do like, to keep them away.

 

Will Elephant Ears Come Back After Deer Eat Them?

The amount of damage sustained will determine whether Elephant Ears bounce back. If all of the leaves are damaged, the plant may not come back. However, if the damage happens late in the season or some leaves are still left, the plant may recover.

Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018

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 Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 13-12-2021