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
  • Pincushin Flower - Scabiosa caucasica

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Plumbago
  • Plume Poppy - Macleaya cordata

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Primrose - Primula sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Privet - Ligustrurn sp.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Pyrenees Cotoneaster - Cotoneaster congestus

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Red Chokeberry - Aronia arbutifolia

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Red Maple - Acer rubrum

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Red Osier Dogwood - Cornus sericea

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Red Twigged Dogwood - Cornus alba

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Red-Hot Poker
  • Redvein Enkianthus
  • Rhubarb - Rheum rhabarbarum

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Ribbon Grass - Phalaris arundinaceae

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Rockspray Cotoneaster - Cotoneaster horizontalis

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Ruby Horsechestnut
  • Rue Anemone - Anemonella thalictroides

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Salvia - Salvia

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B