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
  • Dame's Rocket - Hesperis matronalis

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Daphne
  • Devil's Walking Stick - Aralia spinosa

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Drooping Leucothoe
  • Dusty Miller - Centaurea cineraria

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Dwarf Alberta Spruce
  • European Ginger
  • False Camomile - Matricaria sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • False Indigo
  • Feather Reed Grass
  • Flowering Tobacco - Nicotiana sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Forget-Me-Not
  • Forget-Me-Not - Myosotis sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Fountain Grass
  • Fragrant Sumac
  • Fringed Bleeding Heart - Dicentra eximia

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Garden Sage
  • Germander
  • Giant Japanese Silver Grass - Miscanthus floridulis

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Giant Reed