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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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  • Russian Sage
  • Sensitive Fern - Onoclea sensibilis

    Type: Ferns
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Siberian Bugloss
  • Siberian Squill - Scilla siberica

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Silver Mound
  • Small Globe Thistle - Echinops ritro

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Snapdragon - Antirrhinum majus

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Snow-on-the-Mountain - Euphorbia marginata

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Snowdrops - Galanthus nivalis

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Spider Flower
  • Spotted Deadnettle
  • Spurge
  • Statice
  • Strawflower - Helichrysum

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Sweet Alyssum - Lobularia maritima

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Sweet Box
  • Sweet Woodruff
  • Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Tarragon - Artemisia dracunculus

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Threadleaf Coreopsis