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
  • Bald Cypress - Taxodium distichum

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Balloon Flower - Platycodon grandiflorus

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Balsam Fir - Abies balsamea

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Balsam, Touch-Me-Not - Impatiens balsamina

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Basswood - Tilia americana

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Bellflower - Campanula glomerata

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Bigleaf Hydrangea - Hydrangea macrophylla

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Black Locust - Robinia pseudoacia

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Blanket Flower
  • Bloodtwig Dogwood - Cornus sanguinea

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Blue Holly - Ilex x meserveae

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Caladium - Caladium sp.

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Callery Pear - Pyrus calleryana

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Canterbury Bells - Campanula medium

    Type: Biennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Carolina Hemlock - Tsuga caroliniana

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Carolina Rhododendron - Rhododendron carolinianum

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Catawba Rhododendron - Rhododendron catawbiense

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Checkermallow - Sidalcia malviflora

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Chestnut Oak - Quercus prinus

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Chinese Lilac