Deer Brush

You spot Deer Brush as a semi-erect deciduous shrub with soft foliage and abundant, frothy white (occasionally pale blue or pink) flower clusters in late spring throughout open coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest. Mule deer browse this nitrogen-fixing native heavily for seasonal nutrition.

Deer Brush grows 6-15 feet tall in full sun with low water needs and outstanding drought tolerance once established (zones 7a-8b). Hardy, nitrogen-fixing, and fire-adapted, it suits riparian restoration and dry slopes. Prefers well-drained, adaptable soils; intolerant of shade. Blooms on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring. Monitor for leaf spot and root rot; three documented insect pests include root weevil and whitefly.