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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
  • Rhododendrons - Rhododendron sp.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Frequently Severely Damaged - D
    Check other rating categories to find additional species or cultivars of this genus.
  • Sea-Holly
  • Strawberry - Fragraria sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Frequently Severely Damaged - D
  • Tulip - Tulip sp.

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Frequently Severely Damaged - D
  • Wintercreeper - Euonymus fortunei

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Frequently Severely Damaged - D
  • Wintercreeper - Euonymus fortunei

    Type: Vines
    Rating: Frequently Severely Damaged - D
  • Yews - Taxus sp.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Frequently Severely Damaged - D