Do Deer And Rabbits Eat Lavender Plants

Do deer and rabbits eat lavender plants?
 
Both deer and rabbits do eat lavender plants, but here’s the good news: it’s rarely their first choice.
 
In fact, most gardeners plant lavender specifically because deer and rabbits tend to avoid it thanks to its strong scent and bitter taste.
 
That said, when food is scarce or a young rabbit is curious, deer and rabbits can and will nibble on lavender plants, especially tender new growth.
 
In this post, I’ll break down why deer and rabbits might eat lavender plants, when they’re most likely to do it, and how to protect your lavender so it stays gorgeous all season.
 
Let’s dig into the truth about deer and rabbits eating lavender plants.
 

Why Deer and Rabbits Sometimes Eat Lavender Plants

The short answer is that deer and rabbits do eat lavender plants, but they usually only turn to it when better options run out.
 
Lavender’s essential oils—like linalool and camphor—are what give it that calming aroma we love.
 
Those same oils are overpowering to a deer’s or rabbit’s sensitive nose, and the taste is sharply bitter and unpleasant.
 
So while deer and rabbits can eat lavender plants without serious harm, they typically avoid them unless they’re starving or desperate.
 
Let’s look at the specific reasons why deer may eat lavender plants and why rabbits might eat lavender plants too.
 

1. Desperate Times Lead Deer to Eat Lavender Plants

Deer are creatures of habit, and they have a long list of preferred foods like hostas, daylilies, and tender vegetable greens.
 
But when winter snow covers the ground or a drought dries up their usual buffet, deer will eat lavender plants just to fill their stomachs.
 
A hungry deer won’t care much about the strong smell, especially if it’s the only green thing standing in your garden.
 
So yes, deer do eat lavender plants, but only when their normal food sources are gone.
 

2. Young Rabbits Are Curious and Will Eat Lavender Plants

Rabbits are nibblers by nature, and baby rabbits especially are not yet smart about what tastes bad.
 
A young rabbit exploring your garden may take a few tentative bites of lavender plants just to test them out.
 
Once they get that bitter, soapy taste, most rabbits learn their lesson and move on to clover or grass.
 
So while rabbits can eat lavender plants, it’s usually a one-time mistake rather than a repeated habit.
 

3. New Growth Is More Tempting for Both Deer and Rabbits

The fresh, soft shoots of lavender plants in spring have lower concentrations of those bitter oils.
 
At that stage, deer and rabbits might eat lavender plants more readily because the tender leaves are less pungent.
 
Established, woody lavender with full blooms is far more repellent than the brand-new green tips.
 
So if you notice damage, it’s almost always on the youngest parts of the plant.
 

How to Tell If Deer or Rabbits Ate Your Lavender Plants

If you suspect deer and rabbits are eating lavender plants in your yard, look closely at the damage pattern.
 
Deer leave jagged, torn edges because they don’t have upper front teeth and they rip plants away.
 
Rabbits leave clean, sharp cuts at a 45-degree angle, just like you’d see from a pair of garden shears.
 
Also check for droppings: deer leave scattered pellets while rabbits leave small, round piles in clusters.
 
And if the damage is low to the ground, it’s usually rabbits; if it’s higher up, deer are the culprits.
 

Best Ways to Protect Lavender Plants from Deer and Rabbits

Since deer and rabbits can eat lavender plants under the right conditions, you’ll want to protect your investment.
 
Here are the most effective strategies to keep both critters away from your lavender all year long.
 

1. Physical Barriers Stop Deer and Rabbits from Eating Lavender Plants

The most reliable way to stop deer and rabbits from eating lavender plants is a physical fence.
 
For rabbits, a fence just two feet tall made of chicken wire will do the trick since they can’t jump high.
 
For deer, you’ll need a fence at least six to eight feet tall because they are excellent jumpers.
 
If a full fence isn’t possible, try placing wire cloches or mesh cages over individual lavender plants during peak feeding times.
 

2. Repellent Sprays Make Deer and Rabbits Avoid Eating Lavender Plants

Commercial repellent sprays are designed to make deer and rabbits avoid eating lavender plants by amplifying their natural bitterness.
 
Look for products containing putrescent eggs, garlic, or capsaicin, which are all highly offensive to wildlife.
 
You’ll need to reapply these sprays after rain or every two weeks during the growing season.
 
You can also make your own spray at home by mixing water with a few drops of dish soap and some minced garlic.
 

3. Companion Planting Distracts Deer and Rabbits from Eating Lavender Plants

Planting sacrificial crops that deer and rabbits love more than lavender can keep them away from your prized herbs.
 
Try adding a border of clover, lettuce, or marigolds around the edges of your garden.
 
When deer and rabbits find those tasty treats, they’ll have little reason to eat lavender plants in the middle.
 
This trick works best when your lavender is mixed with other strongly scented herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme.
 

4. Motion-Activated Sprinklers Scare Deer and Rabbits from Eating Lavender Plants

A sudden burst of water is enough to startle any deer or rabbit that dares to eat lavender plants in your garden.
 
Motion-activated sprinklers are easy to set up and they work day and night.
 
Once deer and rabbits get sprayed a few times, they’ll learn to avoid that entire area of your yard.
 
This is a humane, chemical-free way to protect lavender plants without harming the animals.
 

So, Do Deer and Rabbits Eat Lavender Plants?

Deer and rabbits do eat lavender plants, but only as a last resort or when curiosity gets the better of them.
 
Healthy, mature lavender with full essential oils will almost always be passed over in favor of sweeter, more palatable plants.
 
But hungry deer in winter or young rabbits in spring can still cause noticeable damage to your lavender plants.
 
The good news is that with simple barriers, repellents, and smart companion planting, you can keep deer and rabbits from eating lavender plants for good.
 
So go ahead and plant that beautiful lavender, and rest easy knowing you have the tools to protect it from those furry visitors.