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Cooperative Extension

Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance

The following is a list of landscape plants rated according to their resistance to deer damage. The list was compiled with input from nursery and landscape professionals, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension personnel, and Rutgers Master Gardeners in northern New Jersey. Download printable list (PDF).

Realizing that no plant is deer proof, plants in the Rarely Damaged, and Seldom Severely Damaged categories would be best for landscapes prone to deer damage. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions.

A = Rarely Damaged
B = Seldom Severely Damaged
C = Occasionally Severely Damaged
D = Frequently Severely Damaged

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  • Ageratum
  • Allegheny Spurge
  • American Holly - Ilex opaca

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Angel's Trumpet - Brugmansia sp. (Datura)

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Anise - Pimpinalla anisum

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Anise Hyssop
  • Annual Vinca
  • Arrowwood Viburnum - Viburnum dentatum

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Autumn Crocus
  • Barberry
  • Barrenwort
  • Basket of Gold - Aurinia saxatilis

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Bayberry - Myrica pensylvanica

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

    Type: Groundcovers
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Big Bluestem
  • Bigleaf Goldenray
  • Bishop's Weed
  • Bleeding Heart
  • Blue Fescue
  • Blue Mist Shrub