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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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Currently showing 527 results
  • California Sweetshrub - Calycanthus occidentalis

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Calla Lily - Zantedeschia sp.

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Camassia - Camassia leichtlini

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Candytuft - Iberis sempervirens

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Candytuft - Iberis umbellata

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Canna Lily
  • Cardinal Flower
  • Carnation, Pinks - Dianthus sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Carolina Silverbell - Halesia carolina

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Cherry Laurel - Prunus laurocerasus

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Chinese Fringe Tree - Chionanthus retusus

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Chinese Holly - Ilex cornuta

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Chinese Juniper - Juniperus chinensis cv.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
    Check other rating categories to find additional species or cultivars of this genus.
  • Chinese Paper Birch - Betula albo-sinensis

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Coast Leucothoe - Leucothoe axillaris

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Cock's Comb - Celosia sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Colorado Blue Spruce - Picea pungens

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Columbine
  • Common Flowering Quince - Chaenomeles speciosa

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Common Lilac - Syringa vulgaris

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B