eXtension

natives with a purpose

Asked November 3, 2020, 7:54 PM EST

Are there low maintenance Maryland native plants that are evergreen, deer resistant, do not have a high flammability rating, and are either: (1) a 6-8 foot shrub for a living privacy fence or (2) ground cover under 7 inches high that forms a mat to reduce weeds. I can't seem to find either. I would appreciate any help

Montgomery County Maryland

3 Responses

Our page on privacy plants has a couple of ideas: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/plants-mixed-privacy-screens

Unfortunately, deer will eat almost anything, especially if there is high population pressure. In that case, you may need to fence anything you plant for a year or two to give it a chance to establish and/or grow higher than the deer browse.

Here are good groundcover recommendations (native ones noted): https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/flowers/groundcovers
The Golden groundsel is evergreen and forms the mat you're looking for. Deer not known to eat it at all.

A great online publication that is very helpful is," Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed", which has an easy chart with photos and cultural info.

Ellen

Hello Ellen,

I have asked many people these questions. This is the best answer I have ever received. Thank you very much for the time you have spent becoming an expert!