Deer Resistant Plants

Deer Resistant Plants

Printer Friendly Version: PDF

We're not so bold as to declare these plants "deer proof," for in extreme circumstances deer will eat almost
anything. It's very hard to pinpoint what deer will eat. Just correlate it to humans: you may not think pigs' feet
and snails are delicious, but other people devour them. Deer may not be culinary connoisseurs, but they do
have favorite foods and tend to avoid others. Sharp foliage, thorns, hairy leaves, or a peculiar taste keep
these plants off their normal menu.

Perennials

Achillea spp. (Yarrow)

Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)

Agastache spp. (Hyssop)

Artemisia spp. (Wormwood)

Amsonia spp. (Bluestar)

Bergenia cordifolia (Saxifraga)

Brunnera macrophylla (Heartleaf Brunnera)

Calamagrostis spp. (Feather Reed Grass)

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Leadwort)

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Tickseed)

Dicentra spp. (Bleeding Heart)

Eupatorium spp. (Joe Pye Weed)

Iris spp. (Iris)

Kniphofia spp. (Red Hot Poker)

Lavandula spp. (Lavender)

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

Monarda spp. (Bee Balm)

Nepeta spp. (Catmint)

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)

Salvia spp. (Sage)

Stachys spp. (Lamb's Ear)

Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)

Trees and Shrubs

Aronia spp. (Chokeberry)

Callicarpa spp. (Beautyberry)

Caryopteris clandonensis (Blue Mist Shrub)

Calycanthus floridus (Sweetshrub)

Cephalotaxus spp. (Plum Yew)

Clethra spp. (Sweet Pepperbush)

Deutzia spp. (Deutzia)

Ilex spp. (Holly)

Itea virginica Sweetspire)

Juniperus spp. (Juniper)

Leucothoe spp. (Leucothoe)

Magnolia spp. (Magnolia)

Picea spp. (Spruce)

Pieris japonica (Andromeda)

Potentilla fruticosa (Bush Cinquefoil)

Sarcococca hookeriana (Sweetbox)

Spiraea spp. (Spirea)

Thuja x 'Green Giant' (Green Giant Arborvitae)

Viburnum spp. (Viburnum)

Weigela florida(Weigela)

Deer Deterrents

To protect plants from deer we recommend a combination of repellants. Spray-on repellants—such as Liquid Fence, Deer Scram, and Deer-Away—are best if used in rotation to avoid familiarity. Human hair or bars of scented soap also make nice complimentary repellants. If odor or taste is not enough, a barrier may be needed. In areas frequented by deer it is wise to use trunk protectors on young trees until they have become established.

Sources: Compiled from experience and information from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. For more information visit us on the web at www.behmerwald.com www.behmerwald.com