Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta and Alocasia spp.) are ornamental plants grown from tubers. Colocasia esculenta, also known as taro, is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Alocasia is generally hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11. Because of their size, they are less likely to be browsed by rabbits and small animals and more likely to be attractive to deer. However, both are on lists of deer-resistant plants.
In many parts of the U.S., browsing by animals, especially white-tailed deer, wrecks havoc on backyard gardens. Hungry deer will eat almost anything, and a particular plant's relative attractiveness to deer varies from region to region. In general, deer and other animals steer clear of herbs, onion family members and other plants with pungent odors. They also tend to avoid ornamental grasses with sharp blades. On the surface, elephant ears lack those most conspicuous characteristics but are relatively safe from browsing in various parts of the country.
Growing 2 to 6 feet tall, elephant ears grow from large, egg-shaped tubers. Thick, succulent stems bear enormous leaves shaped like arrowheads or hearts. Some varieties feature black foliage or leaves with contrasting veins. Flowers occur rarely, but when they do, they are reminiscent of calla lilies in shape and size. A possible reason for deer avoidance is the sap exuded by elephant ear stems. Ingestion by humans or pets can cause stomach upset, and skin contact can cause irritation. Browsing animals may suffer some of the same effects.
Healthy plants can often recover from animal browsing, so good culture is important. In cold winter climates, plant elephant ears either in the ground or in pots outside after all danger of frost has passed. Provide ample moisture, as both types are water lovers. Colocasia can also be grown on the edges of streams or ponds, or in up to 6 inches of standing water. In cold weather climates, the plants can be taken indoors and used as houseplants, sited in sunny spots. Alternately, the tubers can be dug after the first frost and stored in a frost-free location.
Though elephant ears on not among animals' favorite plants, it is still wise to use a number of deterrent strategies to protect them along with other garden plants. Barriers, in the form of fencing that is 8 feet tall and also buried at least 6 inches below ground, will deter anything from rabbits to deer. Such fencing is unsightly and, in some urban and suburban areas, extra-tall fencing is either untenable or prohibited by local ordinances. Repellent sprays are usually effective for a variety of animals but need to be reapplied periodically, especially after rainstorms.
- Texas A&M University: Aggie Horticulture -- Deer in the Urban Landscape
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder -- Alocasia (Group)
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Plant Finder -- Colocasia Esculenta
- Cornell University: Plants That Deer Do Not Like to Eat
- The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers; Christopher Brickell
- ASPCA: Elephant Ears
- Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images