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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
  • Japanese Sedge
  • Japanese Silver Grass
  • Japanese Skimmia - Skimmia japonica

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Japanese Sweet Flag - Acorus sp.

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • John T. Morris Holly - Ilex x 'John T. Morris'

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Katsura Tree - Cercidiphyllum japonicum

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Lamb's Ear
  • Large Blue June Grass - Koeleria glauca

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Larkspur - Consolida ambigua

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Lavendar - Lavandula sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Lavender-Cotton - Santolina chamaecyparissus

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Leatherleaf Mahonia
  • Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Lenten or Christmas Rose
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Little Bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Lungwort
  • Lydia Morris Holly - Ilex x 'Lydia Morris'

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Lyme Grass
  • Marjoram - Majorana

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A