Forestry & Wildlife

Deer-Tolerant Native Flowers and Grasses for Alabama Landscapes

March 31, 2025
Posted by: Holt Akers-Campbell and Kerry Steedley
in Forestry & Wildlife
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12 min read

White-Tailed Deer in a backyard flowerbed.

Learn why including native flowers and grasses in landscapes is ecologically meaningful. Explore a table of herbaceous plants that are native to the state of Alabama; can be used in either formal or informal landscaping; are beneficial insect habitats on farms, pollinator plantings, or grassland restorations; are commonly available for purchase as either plants or seed; and provide some measure of tolerance to deer browsing, which is a significant challenge for homeowners, habitat managers, and farmers.

Native flowers and grasses serve as food and habitat for native pollinators, honey bees, and other wildlife. Many of these plants also serve as larval hosts to beneficial native insects (their foliage provides food to the insect’s larval stage). Establishing native grasslands, pollinator plantings, and native plant landscaping supports the insects responsible for most flowering species’ plant reproduction. Maintaining beneficial insect habitat contributes directly to crop pollination and biological control of crop pests and indirectly to vital ecosystem services such as erosion control, climate regulation, and production of raw materials. While many nonnative flowers provide high-quality nectar and pollen to bees (and some are larval hosts to native insects), native flowers more often have specific ecological relationships with specialist bees and larval stages of moths and butterflies. Including native flowers in landscaping and pollinator plantings helps support these native insect populations upon which humans rely.

Deer can be a significant challenge when establishing these plantings. When exclusion or diversionary tactics are not desired or feasible, plant selection can offer another solution to reduce browsing pressure. These species are less preferred by deer and more tolerant of deer damage, but no plant is completely immune to browsing. The table provided lists herbaceous species native to Alabama that are beneficial for pollinators while having some tolerance to deer foraging. Select species with overlapping bloom times to provide consistent pollinator support. Make species selections based on your site’s specific soil conditions, choosing plants found naturally in areas with similar pH, moisture, and light. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and have the potential to spread in the landscape. When designing a landscape, plant species with similar rates of spread within a given area so they do not overtake each other. Some species behave well in formal gardens, and others are better suited for wild gardens and prairie restoration. Using wild-type plants grown from seed is the most reliable way to add ecological value to a landscape. Cultivars of native plants can provide long bloom times, compact growth, and other ornamental features that may be desirable in formal landscape settings but are less likely to provide the same level of ecosystem services.

Deer-Tolerant Native Herbaceous Species for Landscaping and Pollinator Plantings in Alabama

Flowers

Native Region: N = north Alabama, C = central Alabama, S = south Alabama

Bloom: average bloom time in the center of the Alabama range

Species: Achillea millefolium

Common Name: Common Yarrow
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 1–3′
Bloom: May to June
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Division, seed.
Notes: This species is a complex of native and introduced plants. It is valued for ornamental qualities and as an herb. Many cultivars are available; some will bloom all summer.

Species: Allium canadense

Common Name: American Wild Onion
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Excellent
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 1-1.5′
Bloom: April – May
Rate of Spread: Aggressive
Propagation: Division, seed.
Notes: This native, perennial onion is not the same as the common, nonnative wild field garlic (Allium vineale). A. canadense has solid, flat leaves; A. vineale has hollow leaves. It is edible but be sure to properly identify it (strong onion smell) to avoid look-a-likes such as Star- of-Bethlehem. Try it in moderation first to make sure it agrees with you.

: Photo credit: Peter Dziuk, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

Species: Aquilegia canadensis

Common Name: Eastern Columbine
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 1–3′
Bloom: March to May
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Seed germination is enhanced by a cold stratification period. The plant will bloom the second growing year when it is started from seed.
Notes: Flowers attract hummingbirds.

Species: Asclepias incarnata

Common Name: Swamp Milkweed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–5′
Bloom: July to Sep
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Collect seed in fall when pods are tan, dry, and beginning to split (never harm wild populations when collecting seed). When seeds are dry, stratify between 35 to 40 degrees F for at least 3 months and germinate between 70 to 80 degrees F.
Notes: Swamp milkweed is naturally found in wet sites but can grow in moist and drier locations.

: Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org

: ‘Ice Ballet’

Species: Asclepias syriaca

Common Name: Common Milkweed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N
Soil Moisture: Dry Wet
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 2–5′
Bloom: June to July
Rate of Spread: Aggressive
Propagation: By seed as with other milkweeds or by rhizome cutting during the dormant season.
Notes: Under preferred conditions, common milkweed can spread rapidly through its deep rhizome, making it a good choice for field restoration projects. Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) behaves well in formal gardens.

Species: Asclepias tuberosa

Common Name: Butterfly Milkweed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Dry Moist
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 1–2′
Bloom: May to Aug
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Seed or root cutting.
Notes: Identified by the AU Bee Lab as a powerhouse pollinator species. Use in both field restoration and home gardens.

Species: Baptisia alba

Common Name: Wild White Indigo
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Dry Moist
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 2–6′
Bloom: April to June
Rate of Spread: Slow
Propagation: By seed or cuttings taken May to June.
Notes: Wild white indigo is in the bean family, but it is not edible.

Species: Baptisia australis

Common Name: Blue False Indigo
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 3–4′
Bloom: April to May
Rate of Spread: Slow
Propagation: May hybridize with other Baptisia species.
Notes: Wild populations are rare in Alabama.

Species: Conoclinium coelestinum

Common Name: Blue Mist Flower
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–3′
Bloom: Aug to Nov
Rate of Spread: Aggressive
Propagation: Stratify seed for a month. Take stem cuttings in June or rhizome cuttings in early spring.
Notes: Also known as wild ageratum or hardy ageratum, blue mist flower will be more dominant in full sun. It is rhizomatic, so it can spread significantly. Many native plant gardeners pair it with goldenrod in wild-type gardens or pocket prairies for fall color.

Species: Eryngium yuccifolium

Common Name: Rattlesnake Master
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 3–4′
Bloom: May to Aug
Rate of Spread: Slow
Propagation: From seed, benefits from cold stratification at 40 degrees F for at least a month.
Notes: Rattlesnake master is a good choice for both formal gardens and prairie restoration.

: Photo credit: John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

: Photo credit: John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Species: Eupatorium perfoliatum

Common Name: Common Boneset
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–5′
Bloom: July to Sep
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Collect garden seeds roughly 1 month after flowering to direct seed in the fall or cold stratify for at least 1 month at 40 degrees F before planting in containers. The seeds germinate best at average temperatures in the 70s. Cover seed lightly. Vegetative propagation from two-node stem cuttings taken in June is also possible.
Notes: The flowers are an attractive nectar source, and the foliage is a larval host to several moth species. Common boneset can spread through rhizomes.

: Photo credit: Ohio State Weed Lab, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Species: Eutrochium fistulosum

Common Name: Hollow Joe-Pye Weed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 4–7′
Bloom: July to Sep
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Division, seed, or stem cuttings taken in June.
Notes: In natural settings, hollow joe-pye weed is found on stream banks, wet ditches, and disturbed areas. Many cultivars of joe-pye weed (bred for sturdy growth and showy blooms) are common in formal landscapes, where they thrive in full sun and tolerate some shade, especially if stems are supported. This species was formerly called Eupatorium fistulosum.

: Photo credit: John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Species: Eutrochium purpureum

Common Name: Sweet Joe-Pye Weed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 4–7′
Bloom: June to Sep
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Division, seed, or stem cuttings taken in June.
Notes: Also called gravel weed/gravel root, sweet joe-pye weed provides nectar for butterflies, moths, and bees. Its seed head provides bird food. It also serves as a host plant to several caterpillar species.

Species: Gaillardia pulchella

Common Name: Blanket Flower
Duration: Annual
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Dry
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 1–2′
Bloom: April to Nov
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Seed (good results direct seeding into prepared soil or transplanting).
Notes: Most common in south Alabama, blanket flower was identified by the AU Bee Lab as a powerhouse pollinator species. It has long-lasting blooms and can reseed itself.

Species: Helenium autumnale

Common Name: Common Sneezeweed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 1–4′
Bloom: Aug to Nov
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Easily grown from seed; stem cuttings May to July; spring division.
Notes: Common sneezeweed continuously flowers for several months; cultivars are available.

: Photo credit: Beverly Turner, Jackson Minnesota, Bugwood.org

Species: Helenium flexuosum

Common Name: Purple Head Sneezeweed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 1–3′
Bloom: June to Sept
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Seed, division.
Notes: Cut back in early summer before bloom to promote sturdy stems. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Species: Lobelia cardinalis

Common Name: Cardinal Flower
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–4′
Bloom: Aug to Oct
Rate of Spread: Slow
Propagation: Tiny seeds need light to germinate (don’t cover). Cardinal flower can also be propagated by two-node stem cuttings and spring or fall division.
Notes: Cardinal flower needs consistently moist soil, often found naturally along streams; cultivars are available.

Species: Lobelia siphilitica

Common Name: Great Blue Lobelia
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist Wet
Sun: Part Shade Full Sun
Size: 2–4′
Bloom: Aug to Oct
Rate of Spread: Slow
Propagation: Tiny seeds need light to germinate (do not cover). Great blue lobelia can also be propagated by two-node stem cuttings and spring or fall division.
Notes: Great blue lobelia prefers consistently moist soil and is less common in south Alabama.

Species: Monarda citriodora

Common Name: Lemon Bee Balm
Duration: Annual
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Dry Moist
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 1–2′
Bloom: May to July
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Cover the small seeds very lightly.
Notes: Most commonly found in the Black Belt region, the fragrant foliage can be used for tea. Bee balm is appropriate for prairie restoration and home gardens.

Species: Monarda fistulosa

Common Name: Wild Bergamot
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N, C
Soil Moisture: Dry Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–4′
Bloom: May to July
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Seed or division.
Notes: Wild bergamot supports specialist bees, and the foliage can be used for tea.

Species: Passiflora incarnata

Common Name: Maypop
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Full Sun
Size: Vine
Bloom: June to Aug
Rate of Spread: Aggressive
Propagation: Seeds can predictably achieve 90 percent germination rate when held in a germination chamber with total darkness at a consistent 95 degrees F for 4 days. Various other sources list stratification and scarification as mildly beneficial to germination rate if optimal temperature conditions are not possible.
Notes: Maypop will spread from root suckers and can escape the original planting area, especially in disturbed soils. The ripe fruit is edible and has an interesting flavor, though seedy. The flower is widely considered remarkably intriguing. Humans have cultivated Passiflora incarnata in the region since the late Archaic period.

Species: Penstemon laevigatus

Common Name: Eastern Beardtongue
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Fair
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–3′
Bloom: April to June
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: By seed; cold stratify outside over winter or in the refrigerator for 2 months.
Notes: Eastern beardtongue is used by pollinators both as a host plant and for nectar; it has medium flammability.

Species: Pycnanthemum incanum

Common Name: Southern Hoary Mountain Mint
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Excellent
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–3′
Bloom: July to Sep
Rate of Spread: Moderate to Aggressive
Propagation: Division in late winter/early spring; by seed.
Notes: Southern hoary mountain mint has fragrant and edible leaves, which are good for tea.

: Photo credit: James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org

Species: Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

Common Name: Slender Mountain Mint
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Excellent
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 1–2′
Bloom: May to Sep
Rate of Spread: Moderate to Aggressive
Propagation: Seeds, division, root cutting, stem cutting.
Notes: Plants can grow up to 4 feet tall. Slender mountain mint is fragrant with edible leaves and is good for tea.

Species: Salvia lyrata

Common Name: Lyreleaf Sage
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: <1′
Bloom: March to May
Rate of Spread: Aggressive
Propagation: Division or seed (cover very lightly).
Notes: This mint family plant can be used as a ground cover since it tolerates foot traffic and some mowing once established. It can spread rapidly from seed. Use its aggressive tendencies to fill space where a spring-flowering native ground cover is desired.

Species: Solidago nemoralis

Common Name: Field Goldenrod
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N, C
Soil Moisture: Dry
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 6″–2′
Bloom: Fall
Rate of Spread: Moderate to Aggressive
Propagation: Grow from seed or by division (with bud and root). Seed may be stratified for better germination, but fresh seed can also germinate.
Notes: Plants are typically 1 to 3 feet tall. Field goldenrod thrives in poor soils; it is better for prairie restoration than formal gardens.

: Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org

Species: Solidago odora

Common Name: Sweet Goldenrod
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 1–2′
Bloom: Aug to Oct
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: By seed.
Notes: Sweet goldenrod has an appealing anise scent and is less aggressive than other goldenrods (often considered appropriate for home gardens). It has medium flammability.

Species: Solidago rugosa

Common Name: Wrinkle Leaf Goldenrod
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 2–5′
Bloom: Fall
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Seed, division, or stem cutting.
Notes: Prefers consistently moist environments.

: Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org

: Photo credit: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Species: Solidago speciosa

Common Name: Showy Goldenrod
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Full Sun
Size: 2–4′
Bloom: Fall
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Seed or division.
Notes: Showy bloom for a goldenrod, as the name suggests. It has medium flammability. It can become weedy but is often used successfully in formal gardens. Clumps may need to be divided every few years.

: Photo credit: Katy Chayka, www.minnesotawildflowers.info, Bugwood.org

Species: Vernonia gigantea

Common Name: Giant Ironweed
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 3–5′
Bloom: July to Nov
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Cold stratify seed for 2 months before planting or divide plants in early spring.
Notes: Giant ironweed usually grows to heights of 3 to 5 feet but can reach heights of 12 feet. Other native ironweed species, such as narrowleaf ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia), are smaller and more easily incorporated into garden borders.

: Photo credit: John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Species: Viola pedata

Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet
Duration: Perennial
Deer Tolerance: Good
Region: N,C,S
Soil Moisture: Moist
Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
Size: 4–8″
Bloom: Feb to May
Rate of Spread: Moderate
Propagation: Grow from seed or take root cuttings in early spring.
Notes: Predominately found in north and central Alabama, bird’s foot violet has the largest flower of the native violets. It has the potential to flower in the fall but mostly flowers in early spring.

: Photo credit: James Henderson, Golden Delight Honey, Bugwood.org

Grasses