Are Any Plants Really Deer Proof?

Unfortunately, there are no deer proof plants. However, there are several standbys that deer typically leave for you to enjoy … including the flowers! Deer, especially the young, may nibble new growth, but typically leave mature plants alone. Look for plants with acrid sap, prickles, thick or hairy textures and strongly scented foliage.

We’ve provided lists of these standbys below, including a link for their growing requirements.

Did you know? Deer are the only animals that grow antlers.

Shrub-like

• Russian sage: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/peat
• Barberry: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/beth
• Cotoneaster: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/coda
• English lavender: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/laan
• Heather: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/cavu
• False cypress: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/chpi
• Common boxwood: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/buse
• Rock-rose: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/cixc
• Bridal wreath: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/spva
• Salal: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Gaultheria%20shallon
• Oregon grape: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Berberis%20aquifolium&redblue=Both&lifeform=3
• Pink Princess escallonia: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/esex
• Rhododendron: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/rhun
• Forsythia: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/foin
• Rosemary: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/roof
• Sage: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/saof
• Oregano: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/orvu
• Mexican mock orange: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/chte
• Daphne: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/dacn

Ground Cover

• Kinnikinnick: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Arctostaphylos%20uva-ursi
• Winterberry: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/gapr
• Common thyme: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/thvu
• Stonecrop: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Sedum%20lanceolatum&redblue=Both&lifeform=7

Bulbs

• Nodding onion: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Allium%20cernuum
• Iris: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/irpa
• Lily of the valley: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/comj
• Daffodil: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/naka
• Dahlia: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/dacv
• Spider lily: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lycoris-radiata/#:~:text=Lycoris%20radiata%20(Equinox%20Flower%2C%20Hurricane,Carolina%20Extension%20Gardener%20Plant%20Toolbox
• Snowdrops: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/gani

Perennials and Annuals

• Catmint: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/nexf
• Yarrow: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Achillea%20millefolium&redblue=Both&lifeform=7
• Forget-me-not: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/mysy
• Salvia: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/sagr
• Candytuft: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/ibse
• Globe thistle: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/ecba
• Poppy: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/paor
• Cosmos: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/cobi
• Dusty miller: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/seci
• Blue lithospermum: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/lidi
• Black-eyed susan: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/rufu
• Mediterranean spurge: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/euch
• Hellebore: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/hehy
• Bee balm: https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/Plant/modi
• Painted daisy: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tanacetum-coccineum-subsp-coccineum/
• Woolly sunflower: https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Eriophyllum%20lanatum

Table of Growing Requirements

This table was created using the Resources listed below.

REMINDER: All plants need care the first year of planting, even drought tolerant plants.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this InfoSheet is science-based and accurate to the best of VIMGA’s knowledge. Its use is the sole responsibility and liability of the users.

Resources

1. E-Flora BC/Electronic Atlas of the Flora of BC. https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/DB_Query/QueryForm.aspx
2. KPU School of Horticulture/Plant Database. https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/#gsc.tab=0&gsc.sort=
3. Master Gardeners Association of BC. Deer resistant plants. Link is no longer active.
4. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/find_a_plant/
5. Satinflower Nurseries. Deer resistant native plants. https://satinflower.ca/collections/deer-resistant-native-plants
6. UC/Master Gardener Program. Deer resistant plants. https://ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/files/389660.pdf or https://plantmaster.com/presents/plants.php?id=5f9c6e2d1ff70&pLength=36