Deer-Resistant Plants

“Deer-resistant” does not mean deer-proof. It describes plants that deer are less likely to eat compared to others in the landscape. These plants often have characteristics such as strong fragrance, fuzzy or textured foliage, thick leaves, or naturally occurring compounds that make them less appealing to browsing wildlife.

That said, deer behavior is influenced by local population pressure, season, and available food sources. In times of drought or winter scarcity, even plants considered deer-resistant may be sampled. Resistance is about reduced preference — not a guarantee of complete protection.

Deer are selective feeders, and their preferences are driven by scent, texture, and nutritional value. Plants with strong fragrance, fuzzy or coarse foliage, thick leaves, or naturally bitter compounds are often less appealing. Aromatic herbs, ornamental grasses, and certain perennials fall into this category.

However, deer behavior isn’t fixed. Local herd size, seasonal food availability, and weather conditions all influence browsing habits. When preferred food is scarce, deer may sample plants they would normally ignore. In other words, avoidance is based on preference — not impossibility.

While no plant is completely safe from browsing, certain categories are consistently less attractive to deer. Plants with aromatic foliage, coarse or fuzzy leaves, or naturally bitter compounds tend to be lower on their preference list. Many ornamental grasses, fragrant herbs, and textured perennials fall into this group.

Examples often include plants like lavender, catmint, yarrow, salvia, ornamental grasses, and certain evergreen shrubs. These selections offer strong structure and seasonal interest while reducing the likelihood of damage compared to more tender, lush varieties.

The term deer-proof suggests a plant will never be eaten — but in reality, no landscape plant can be guaranteed immune from browsing. Deer are adaptable animals, and feeding behavior shifts based on population pressure, weather conditions, and available food sources.

Deer-resistant is a more accurate and practical term. It refers to plants that deer tend to avoid under normal conditions due to scent, texture, or natural compounds. While these selections reduce the likelihood of damage, they do not eliminate it entirely — especially during winter or periods of food scarcity.

If deer pressure is consistently high, focus on building your landscape around plants that are widely recognized as less appealing to browsing wildlife. Prioritize aromatic perennials, ornamental grasses, tough-textured shrubs, and evergreens known for coarse or leathery foliage. Starting with a strong backbone of these plants reduces overall risk.

In areas with extreme pressure, layering your approach can make a difference. Combine deer-resistant selections with smart placement, grouping plants strategically, and protecting new installations during establishment. Young plants are more vulnerable, so early protection often improves long-term success.

Designing with deer pressure in mind starts with structure. Build your landscape around a foundation of reliably deer-resistant shrubs, grasses, and perennials, then layer in complementary plants thoughtfully. Grouping resistant varieties together and placing more vulnerable plants closer to the home can help reduce overall browsing impact.

Texture and diversity also matter. Mixing aromatic foliage, coarse leaves, and ornamental grasses creates visual interest while naturally discouraging feeding. A well-planned design balances beauty with resilience — giving you seasonal color, movement, and structure without constantly fighting wildlife pressure.