Deer Resistant Plants For A Deer Proof Landscape

Deer Resistant Trees, Shrubs, Roses,Palms, Ornamental Grass,Perennials, Annuals, Ferns, and Bulbs

The best approach to deer management is a combination of strategies. Landscaping based on a knowledge of deer feeding habits can reduce or eliminate costly browsing damage. Use of deer repellents or fencing can also be greatly reduced by choosing aesthetically pleasing deer-resistant alternatives. Consider planting susceptible plants close to the house or in an already fenced area such as a backyard.

LANDSCAPE PLANTS RATED BY DEER RESISTANCE

As stated above, the plants deer prefer to eat can vary from region to region and can change seasonally and is dependent on many variables. The following lists have been compiled from research done across the US.

DEER FEEDING PREFERENCES

There are four basic catagories of plant damage. Rarely Damaged, Seldom Damaged, Occasionally Damaged, and Frequently Damaged.

Rarely Damaged: Plants that deer will rarely eat unless there are no other options. These are the best candidates for damage-prone landscapes.
Rarely Damaged Trees Rarely Damaged Shrubs Rarely Damaged Roses Rarely Damaged Palms Rarely Damaged Ornamental Grasses Rarely Damaged Perennials Rarely Damaged Ferns Rarely Damaged Annuals Rarely Damaged Bulbs

Also check out our special deer proof gardening page with
Deer Resistant Vegetables,Herbs, and Fruit

Seldom Damaged: Deer sometimes feed on ornamentals listed as Seldom Damaged, but the browsing is usually minor and usually doesn't detract from the looks of the plants.

Occasionally Damaged: These are the plants that deer will turn to once their favorites are depleted.

Frequently Damaged: Plants that are deer favorites. These are the first plants deer will seek out to eat. These plants often require physical or chemical protection.

Plants can be deer resistant for several reasons. The variables include seasonal factors, geographic area, availability of alternative food, taste of the plants, and the deer's nutritional needs at the time. One plant species may be rarely damaged in one region of the country, but highly preferred in another region. Holly, white pine, and deciduous magnolias are a few plants that have very different deer preferences from region to region. Many deer-resistant plants are poisonous at some time of their growth cycle. Many are aromatic, have thorns, or have coarse foliage.

If an adequate supply of natural native plants are available to eat, deer are less likely to browse ornamental plantings. When the natural food supply is low, few ornamental plants will be resistant. Generally, deer browsing is worst in the winter when green grass and green plants aren't found. Also deer browse heavily in the spring on new succulent growth.

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Have Other Plants to Add To The List?

Have you found other plants that deer rarely damage or seldom eat? We would love to add your plants to our lists. Tell us about your landscape or garden and the plants that the deer avoid or love to eat. Please share with us!

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