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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
  • Hybrid Tea Rose - Rosa x hybrid

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Impatiens
  • Japanese Euonymus - Euonymus japonica

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Japanese Holly
  • Late Lilac - Syringa villosa

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Leyland Cypress - Cupressocyparis leyandii

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

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Morning Glory - Ipomea sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Mountain Bluet - Centaurea montana

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Mountain Laurel
  • Multiflora Rose - Rosa multiflora

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Nellie Stevens Holly - Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Northern Red Oak - Quercus rubra

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Norway Maple - Acer platanoides

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Oakleaf Hydrangea
  • Panicle Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Panicled Dogwood - Cornus racemosa

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

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Penstemon
  • Pernyi Holly - Ilex pernyi

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C