Do white tailed deer feed on carrissa holly?

While carrissa holly (Carissa macrocarpa) is a generally deer-resistant plant, it's not completely immune. Deer might nibble on it occasionally, especially if they are very hungry or if other preferred food sources are scarce.

Here's why carrissa holly is often considered deer-resistant:

* Tough leaves: Its leaves are tough and leathery, making them less appealing to deer.

* Strong scent: The plant has a strong, slightly pungent odor that deer may find unpleasant.

However, some factors can make carrissa holly more vulnerable to deer browsing:

* Young plants: Younger plants are more tender and may be more attractive to deer.

* Lack of other food: If deer are desperate for food, they might resort to eating carrissa holly.

* Individual deer preferences: Some deer may develop a taste for carrissa holly, even if others avoid it.

To further deter deer from eating your carrissa holly, you can try:

* Planting it in a location where deer are less likely to browse.

* Using deer repellent sprays.

* Creating a physical barrier around the plant, such as a fence or netting.

Ultimately, the best way to know if deer will eat your carrissa holly is to observe the plant and see if you notice any damage. If you do, take steps to protect it from further browsing.