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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
  • Pitch Pine - Pinus rigida

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Poppy
  • Pot Marigold
  • Potentilla, Cinquefoil - Potentilla sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Prince of Wales Juniper - Juniperus horizontalis 'Prince of Wales'

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Purple Moor Grass - Molinia caerulea

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Purple Rock-Cress - Aubretia deltoidea

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Ravenna Grass
  • Red Elderberry - Sambucus racemosa

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Red Pine - Pinus resinosa

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • River Birch - Betula nigra

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Rock-Cress - Arabis caucasica

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Rocket Ligularia
  • Rodgers Flower - Rodgersia sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Rose Campion - Lychnis coronaria

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Royal Fern - Osmunda regalis

    Type: Ferns
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Rue - Ruta sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Russian Cypress
  • Russian Olive - Elaeagnus angustifolia

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A