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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
  • Saucer Magnolia - Magnolia x soulangiana

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Savin/Tam Juniper - Juniperus sabin cv.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Savory - Satureja montana

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Scotch Pine - Pinus sylvestris

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Sea Buckthorn - Hippophae rhamnoides

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Sea Thrift - Armeria maritima

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Sedge - Scirpus lacustris

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Serbian Spruce - Picea omorika

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Shadbush - Amelanchier canadensis

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Shiso - Perilla frutescens

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Singleseed Juniper - Juniperus squamata cv.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
    Check other rating categories to find additional species or cultivars of this genus.
  • Skunk Cabbage - Symplocarpos foetidus

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Smokebush
  • Snakeroot, Bugbane
  • Sneezeweed - Helenium autumnale

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Snow-in-Summer
  • Snowberry - Symphoricarpos albus

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Soapwort
  • Sourwood - Oxydendrum arboreum

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Speedwell