Lungwort is a perennial that is one of the first plants to appear in the early spring. It is a clump-forming plant with an upright growth habit, speckled foliage, and bell-shaped flowers. Lungwort is poisonous to people and pets and is not a favorite of foraging animals like deer and rabbits. Deer and other animals will eat Lungwort plants if necessary, but there are usually different, more appealing options, so Lungwort is often left alone.
Lungwort grows as an evergreen in areas with mild winters. Since the vegetation is available year-round, it is more susceptible to grazing. In cold regions, Lungwort plants are herbaceous perennials, so the plant is only available to deer and other animals for a limited time. According to Rutgers University this plant is Rarely Damaged on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged.
| Rarely Damaged |
| Seldom Severely Damaged |
| Occasionally Severely Damaged |
| Frequently Severely Damaged |
Keeping Deer Away From Lungwort
It’s not typically necessary to take steps to keep deer away from Lungwort plants since the deer are inclined to keep themselves away. Deer and other animals will only eat Lungwort plants in desperate situations. Deer do not favor this plant, and hungry animals rarely damage it. Lungwort plants are a good choice for areas with large deer populations or if you routinely lose plants to foraging animals.
Will Lungwort Come Back After Deer Eat Them?
Depending on the amount of damage, Lungwort plants can come back if eaten by deer. Plants that are mostly destroyed may not recover, especially if the damage happens late in the growing season. Plants that sustain minimal damage should be able to recover. Help damaged Lungwort plants bounce back by removing damaged growth and ensuring the plant receives adequate light and water for the rest of the growing season.
Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 05-10-2023 |