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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
  • Persian Lilac - Syringa x persica

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Phlox
  • Pink Turtlehead - Chelone sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Purple Leaf Sand Cherry - Prunus x cistena

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Purple Loosestrife - Lythrum sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Rose Mallow - Hibiscus moscheutos

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Rosebay Rhododendron - Rhododendron maximum

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Rugosa Rose - Rosa rugosa

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Shasta Daisy - Leucanthemum maximum

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Shasta Daisy - Chrysanthemum superbum

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Shore Juniper - Juniperus conferta

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Showy Sedum - Sedum spectabile

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Silver Maple - Acer saccharinum

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Smooth Hydrangea
  • Solomon's Seal
  • Spurge - Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon'

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Staghorn Sumac
  • Sundrops - Oenethera sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Sunflower - Helianthus sp.

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C
  • Sweet Cherry - Prunus avium

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Occasionally Severely Damaged - C