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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
  • Leatherleaf Viburnum - Viburnum rhytidophyllum

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Lilyturf - Liriope sp.

    Type: Groundcovers
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Lobelia - Lobelia sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Lupine - Lupinus sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Maltese Cross
  • Meadow Sage - Salvia nemorosa

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Mist Flower - Eupatorium coelestinurn

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Money Plant
  • Mountain Juniper - Juniperus scopulorum cv.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
    Check other rating categories to find additional species or cultivars of this genus.
  • Mugo Pine
  • Mullein - Verbascum sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Nasturtium - Tropaeolum majus

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Norway Spruce - Picea abies

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Obedient Plant - Physostegia sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Oriental Poppy - Papaver orientale

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Paperbark Maple
  • Parsley - Petroselinum crispum

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Patrinia - Patrinia scabiosifolia

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Periwinkle - Vinca minor

    Type: Groundcovers
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Pfitzer Juniper - Juniperus chinensis 'Pfitzerana'

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B