Rutgers logo
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

Filter

Currently showing 527 results
  • Inkberry - Ilex glabra

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Jacob's Ladder - Polemonium caeruleum

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Anemone - Anemone x hybrida

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Cedar - Cryptomeria japonica

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Falsecypress
  • Japanese Flowering Cherry - Prunus serrulata

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Flowering Quince - Chaenomeles japonica

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Garden Juniper - Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Kerria - Kerria japonica

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Maple
  • Japanese Red Pine - Pinus densiflora

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Japanese Spirea
  • Japanese Tree Lilac - Syringa reticulata

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Judd Viburnum - Viburnum x juddii

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Koreanspice Viburnum - Viburnum carlesii

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Kousa Dogwood
  • Ladys' Mantle
  • Lance Coreopsis
  • Lantana
  • Large Periwinkle - Vinca major

    Type: Groundcovers
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B