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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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  • Wallflower - Cheiranthus sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Weigela - Weigela florida

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • White Boltonia - Boltonia asteroides

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • White Snakeroot - Eupatorium rugosum

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • White Spruce - Picea glauca

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Willowleaf Cotoneaster - Cotoneaster salicifolius

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Winter Jasmine - Jasminum nudiflorum

    Type: Vines
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Winterberry Holly
  • Wisteria - Wisteria floribunda

    Type: Vines
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Wood Sorrel - Oxalis sp.

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Yarrow - Achillea filipendulina

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Yellow Birch - Betula lutea

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Yellow Foxglove
  • Yellow Wax-Bells - Kirengeshoma palmata

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Youngstown Andorra Juniper - Juniperus horizontalis 'Youngstown'

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Zinnia
  • Alternate-Leaved Dogwood - Cornus alternifolia

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Apples - Malus sp.

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Atlantic White Cedar - Chamaecyparis thyoides

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Atlas Cedar - Cedrus atlantica

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C