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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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  • Thyme
  • Variegated Purple Moor Grass - Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Varigated Oat Grass - Arrhenatherum elatius

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Weeping Love Grass - Eragrostus curvula

    Type: Ornamental Grasses
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Wild Ginger
  • Winter Aconite - Eranthus hyemalis

    Type: Bulbs
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Wood Fern - Dryopteris marginalis

    Type: Ferns
    Rating: Rarely Damaged - A
  • Yucca
  • African Lily - Agapanthus sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Allegheny Serviceberry
  • American Bittersweet - Celastrus scandens

    Type: Vines
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Anthony Waterer Spirea - Spiraea x bumalda

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Armstrong Juniper - Juniperus chinensis 'Armstrongii'

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Asparagus - Asparagus officinalis

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Aster - Aster sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Astilbe
  • Austrian Pine - Pinus nigra

    Type: Trees
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Autumn Olive - Elaeagnus umbellatus

    Type: Shrubs
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Baby's Breath - Gypsophila sp.

    Type: Perennials
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B
  • Bachelor's Buttons - Centaurea cyanus

    Type: Annuals
    Rating: Seldom Severely Damaged - B