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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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  • Golden Bamboo - Phyllostachys aurea

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Greek Jerusalem Sage - Phlomis sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Hakonechloa
  • Hard Rush - Juncus effusus

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Hayscented Fern
  • Heath - Erica sp.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Heather - Calliuna sp.

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Heliotrope - Heliotropium arborescens

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Holly Fern - Cyrtomium falcatum

    Type: Ferns
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Horehound - Marrubium vulgare

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Horseradish - Armoracia rusticana

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Hyssop - Hyssopus officinalis

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Indian Grass - Sorghastrum nutans

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Iris
  • Jack-in-the-pulpit - Arisaema triphylum

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Japanese Black Pine - Pinus thunbergiana

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Japanese Blood Grass
  • Japanese Painted Fern
  • Japanese Pieris, Andromeda
  • Japanese Plum Yew