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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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  • Clematis - Clematis sp.

    Type: Vines
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Climbing Hydrangea
  • Coleus
  • Comfrey - Symphytum officinale

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Common Horsechestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Common Pear - Pyrus communis

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Cornelian Cherry - Cornus mas

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

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Dahlia - Dahlia sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Daylily - Hemerocallis sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Deciduous Azaleas - Rhododendron sp.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
    Check other rating categories to find additional species or cultivars of this genus.
  • Eastern Hemlock - Tsuga canadensis

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Eastern Redbud
  • English Daisy - Bellis perennis

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • English Ivy
  • English Ivy
  • European Larch - Larix decidua

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Fall Mums - Chrysanthemum

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Fleabane - Erigeron sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Flowering Dogwood