DEER-RESISTANT PLANTS

Gardening where there is significant deer pressure is incredibly frustrating. Most species grown for food will be devastated by deer if they are not protected by a strong high fence. Even then, we must accept that every vegetable garden is a gamble. 

Several medicinals, a few edibles, and other worthwhile garden species can withstand high deer pressure. This list is somewhat shorter and more conservative than others, primarily due to my experience gardening (and being unable to garden) under extreme deer pressure. Deer do not read lists and even the most impervious species in my garden may be susceptible in yours. I have tried to focus on plants that are hardy to zone 5 or easily grown as annuals in short growing seasons. I have excluded the most toxic species as well as purely ornamental grasses, ferns and several wildflowers.

Achillea 

        The very useful and medicinal Achillea millefolium is impervious to deer. Several cultivars of this species with bright and colorful flowers exist. One of the best is ‘Cassis', whose flowers open an incredible dark burgundy with a tiny pale pink eye. A. clypeolata features soft, silvery foliage and flowers in a stunning shade of saturated golden yellow. A. tomentosa is similar but shorter. The majority of Achillea species are hardy and tolerant of most soils.

Allium 

        The most reliable of deer-proof plants are in the Allium family. This includes common Chives, Garlic Chives, Nodding Onions, Welsh Onions, Egyptian Walking Onions, and several species of what we consider ornamental onions, which are best grown from bulbs planted in the autumn. This family also includes a very special species known as the Alpine Leek or Victory Onion. A. victorialis has broad Hosta-like leaves that persist throughout the season, and it blooms in pretty pale yellow globes from May through August. Its cultural requirements are very similar to Hosta. If you can find this unusual species, it may prove an excellent alternative to Hosta in your landscape.

Alchemilla 

        Commonly known as Lady's Mantle, Alchemilla mollis is an ornamental medicinal that makes a wonderful groundcover in moist, shaded soils. Dwarf A. erythropoda has a nice tidy habit. The even smaller A. alpina is possibly more charming than any others in the genus. All may be grown from seed.

Agastache

        Fragrant Agastache are fairly impervious to deer and several species are useful for tea and have delicious edible flowers. A. mexicana ‘Sangria' and A. cana are highly recommended for ornamental as well as edible use. 

Ageratum 

        An unprotected cutting garden is made possible in no small part due to this species, sometimes known as ‘Floss Flower'. Long-stemmed varieties of A. houstonianum come in shades of white, blue, pink and purple. Short-stemmed varieties are nice bedding and container plants, although necessary deadheading can be a chore. Ageratum is closely related to our native Eupatorium perfoliatum, a deer-snubbed ubiquitous weed in the Northeast.

Artemisia

        Deer-repellant. A. ludoviciana is a striking landscape plant that can be grown from seed and may be useful as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent in the garden. Don't plant Mugwort (A. vulgaris) because it spreads like wildfire and you will regret it for the rest of your life. If you'd like Mugwort for medicinal use let me send you some of mine. 

Aurinia 

        These yellow flowering plants are often listed as Alyssum, though they technically belong to the genus Aurinia. The most common of these is a strain of A. saxatilis marketed as ‘Gold Dust’. Several other species are available and are easily grown from seed. A. saxatilis is important in the garden not only for being unattractive to deer, but for its very early bloom, which is incredibly important to native pollinators. This species is tough and can take light traffic and mowing. ‘Sulphureum' is a softer yellow that is somewhat less obnoxious. 

Antirrhinum

        Several genera belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae are disliked by deer, but none is so useful as a cut flower as Antirrhinum majus, also known as Snapdragon. 

Aquilegia

        One of the first perennials to break dormancy in the spring. Flowers only briefly but tidy mounds of delicate foliage are attractive all year. Try A. vulgaris ‘Mellow Yellow', whose golden foliage brightens the landscape in very early spring. A. viridiflora is an unusual and diminutive scented species and my absolute favorite. A. chrysantha has large flowers on long stems that can be used in bouquets.

Asparagus 

        Deer don't seem to bother Asparagus, aside from trampling tender shoots and sometimes pooping on them. 

Aster

        The entire family of Asteraceae are fairly resilient under heavy deer pressure. The specific genus of Aster has recently been split into several genera, which I am not going to bother trying to abide by. But most gardeners know an Aster when they see one. Many native Asters grow wild on my property, to the degree that the only one I'd ever recommend planting on purpose would be the incredible Tatarian Aster (Aster tataricus). Native to Asia, where it is considered both edible and medicinal, this stately species grows to 6' and is unusually floriferous in very late autumn. A shorter cultivar, ‘Jin-Dai’, is also available.

Baptisia

        All species within this genus are miraculously impervious to deer. They have no use other than being exceptionally long-lived and attractive ornamentals that can tolerate poor dry soils. Incredibly slow and frustrating from seed. Purchase plants. Give them plenty of space to spread out. Mature specimens are truly stunning.

Caltha palustris

        Also known as Marsh Marigold, this attractive semi-aquatic plant lives happily at the edge of my pond and has tolerated all manner of abuse and neglect. It is not invasive. Large buttercup flowers are a welcome sunny yellow. Thick, glossy heart-shaped leaves are persistent. Slow but reliable from seed.

Camassia

        These native species produce edible bulbs that were a favored foodstuff of Native Americans. Camassia prefers to grow in moist soils. Plants are generally ignored by deer. From seed, expect to wait a few years before flowers appear and bulbs are large enough to harvest. Mature bulbs for ornamental use are usually available in autumn, but are expensive. Camassia leichtlinii produces the largest and tastiest bulbs. C. quamash are smaller in every way but their flowers are a conspicuous and striking deep blue. A few ornamental cultivars have pretty variegated foliage. Look for ‘Sacajawea' and ‘Blue Melody'. 

Centaurea

        Centaurea is a huge genus that includes the eminently edible Blue Bachelor Button (C. cyanus), the sublimely fragrant Sweet Sultan (C. moschata), and the absolutely stunning Velvet Centaurea (C. gymnocarpa). Hardy species of Centaurea are not recommended for the landscape due to their very invasive nature and the fact that deer will do nothing to help contain them.

Corydalis

        An expansive genus containing several ancient medicinals as well as unusual ornamentals, Corydalis is impervious to deer and underutilized in most gardens. The entire genus is mistakenly thought of as being invasive, but self-sown seedlings of most species are easily removed. Corydalis lutea specifically is a beloved little plant with delicate maidenhair fern-like foliage and pretty little yellow flowers that bloom all season. It will self-sow politely around your garden, brightening shady neglected corners. Easy from seed. Also available as a plant from Sequim Rare Plants.

Convallaria majalis

        Lily of the Valley. Truly valuable for just a few weeks out of the year but the amazingly fragrant flowers are worth it. Excellent groundcover for shade. Will spread quickly where it is happy. Dry and compacted soils will limit its invasiveness. Pink flowering and variegated strains are very nice and usually less vigorous. 

Digitalis

        This genus contains several garden-worthy species that are deer-resistant and will self-sow politely in moist shaded soils. Digitalis purpurea ssp. heywoodii ‘Silver Fox' is a somewhat small-statured silver-leaved strain that is possibly the most impervious to deer. Digitalis ferruginea grows to 6' and features incredibly unique rust-colored flowers that are very dramatic in floral arrangements. Not recommended for medicinal use.

Dracocephalum

        Several species of Dragonhead are worth growing for their ornamental or medicinal value, but the most available of these species is D. moldavica, or Lemon Dragonhead, which makes a fantastic tea, has bright blue edible flowers, and is completely ignored by deer.

Epimedium

        Epimediums are possibly the most interesting and diverse group of deerproof ornamentals for dry shade. Several species feature attractive persistent foliage and long stems that are useful for cut flowers. These species belong to the Barberry family. They will spread, sometimes aggressively, in moist soils. Collecting Epimediums is probably a worthwhile pursuit. At least two species of Epimedium are employed in TCM for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. The popularity of this species among gardeners is probably just a coincidence.

Eutrochium

        Previously Eupatorium. Native species commonly known as Joe Pye Weeds. Totally impervious to deer. Fairly easy from seed. Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies. No contemporary medicinal value. 

Euphorbia

        Toxic to deer and everything else. Avoid getting sap from broken leaves and stems on your hands. Hardy species are frequently invasive and allelopathic. Carefully research before introducing to your garden. Several non-hardy species are excellent container specimens. Keep away from children and pets.

Foeniculum vulgare

        Another allelopathic species, Fennel is one of the few vegetables that deer will usually ignore. All varieties, from wild to bulbing, seem equally unappealing to deer, but are delicious and nutritious to humans. Grow Fennel far from other garden vegetables.

Fragaria

        Sweet mercy. Deer don't like strawberries! Several species are easily grown from seed. F. vesca alba ‘White Delight' and the musk strawberry, F. moschata, are favorites. 

Geranium

        These are true Geraniums, not Pelargoniums (which deer will eat, save for a few scented varieties). ‘Rozanne' is ubiquitous for good reason, but must be purchased as a plant. Fragrant G. macrorrhizum is highly recommended. Several varieties of G. pratense are available, but ‘Midnight Reiter' and its unusual plum-colored foliage is a favorite. Slow but reliable from seed.

Glaucium flavum aurantiacum

        This crazy Horned Poppy has prickly thistle-like silver foliage and striking scarlet flowers. Easy from seed. For full sun and dry soils. Possibly deer-injurious.

Helianthus maximiliani

        Deer will eat annual sunflowers when they are young and tender and delicious, no matter what other sources may tell you. But they snub Maximillian's Sunflower. A huge perennial sunflower that can be grown from seed, this species is an excellent candidate for an impenetrable insectary border in a permacultural landscape. 

Hesperis

        Fragrant flowering plants in the mustard family. H. matronalis is a common roadside weed in the Northeast thanks to the first European settlers growing it in their gardens. Several other species exist but are rarely available. Leaves and flowers are edible. Sweet evening scent. Moth-pollinated. Recommended.

Hibiscus

        Several species in the family Malvaceae seem deer-resistant to varying degrees, but Hibiscus species are reliably so. The most useful of these, H. sabdariffa, is unfortunately not hardy and rarely has the chance to flower outdoors. H. acetosella, though not hardy, is a worthwhile annual ornamental with foliage resembling that of a Japanese Maple. It can be started indoors and grown in the ground or in a container to great effect. Easy from seed.

Iris

        The genus of Iris is expansive and diverse and though not every species is completely impervious to deer, for the most part all Irises hardy to zone 5 will withstand what little damage deer do to them. For Bearded Irises, this includes occasional uprooting, which is easily mitigated by replanting. Irises are tough stuff. Established Siberian Irises can survive being mowed down regularly for years with an actual mower before finally succumbing, so a little deer browsing isn't going to bother them.

Lavandula

        There are not many Lavender species that are hardy to zone 5, but the few that are will be totally avoided by deer. Recommended varieties include Lavandula angustifolia ‘Melissa', whose pink flowers have a sweet fruity flavor and scent, Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso', a fantastic long-stemmed Lavandin with either white or purple flowers that make fragrant sachets and decorative dried bundles, and Lavandula angustifolia ‘Mailette', whose high concentration of essential oil makes it an excellent candidate for medicinal use. 

Lychnis & Silene

        The genera of Lychnis and Silene are confusing, but most species belonging to either genus are not favored by deer. Some species are persistant weeds. Lychnis viscaria is a valuable companion plant in the vegetable garden. Maltese Cross (L. chalcedonica) and Arkwright's ‘Vesuvius' (Lychnis x arkwrightii) are worthwhile ornamentals that attract hummingbirds and butterflies and are easily grown from seed. Ray's Golden Campion (Silene dioica aurea) is a nice bright little seed-grown perennial to tuck in here and there. Rose Campion (L. coronaria) is the species most often included in deer-resistant lists, though its sticky and weedy foliage can be equally off-putting to humans.

Melissa

        Lemon Balm is a useful medicinal and tea herb that deer totally ignore. A member of the mint family but not invasive. Plants form tidy attractive clumps. Lime-scented and gold-leaved varieties are also available. Highly recommended.

Mentha

        Both Peppermint and Spearmint will go untouched by deer. Keep them in a container or plant them where their invasive nature won't be a bother. Dry soils will prevent their spread better than anything else, and leaves will have a higher essential oil content. Peppermint is an important medicinal herb. Spearmint is for jelly and cocktails.

Mertensia

        An interesting genus, containing the ubiquitous ornamental that we call Virginia Bluebells (M. virginica), and an unusual oyster-flavored edible from the Arctic, M. maritima. Both of these species are highly recommended and impervious to deer.

Monarda

        Everyone loves Bee Balm these days, except for deer. Deer won't touch Monarda. Flowers are edible and leaves make an acceptable or fantastic tea, depending on the species and culture. The most attractive varieties are unfortunately only available as plants: Jacob Cline has bright clear red flowers beloved by hummingbirds, and one listed as ‘Rose-Scented’, a variety of what I think is M. didyma, is extraordinarly fragrant and indeed rose-scented! All species of Monarda are useful and recommended. 

Nepeta & Calamintha

        These genera are closely related and include several useful herbs that belong in every garden, including Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and Nepitella (Calaminta nepeta). Deer aren’t interested, but cats will do unspeakable things to your Catnip.

Nicotiana

        Tobacco is toxic to most living things, including deer. The very ornamental N. alata ‘Lime Green' and N. x mutabilis (available from and probably introduced to the trade by Select Seeds) are highly recommended. Fragrant N. suaveolens (my favorite) and dramatic N. sylvestris are night-blooming beauties that will attract moths to your evening garden. 

Origanum

        Deer don't like any type of Oregano, whether culinary or ornamental. Plant with impunity. 

Paeonia

        Peonies are hardy and long-lived and completely ignored by deer. Some species are medicinal. Several old varieties make fragrant cut flowers. A few species may be grown from seed but require extreme patience. 

Papaver

        All species are supposedly avoided by deer, although I find them frequently relieved of their flower buds. Worth trying, especially under light to moderate deer pressure.

Penstemon

        Most species are impervious to deer and very important to our native pollinators. Several cultivars of the very reliable P. digitalis are available. Tall and scented P. palmeri is easily grown from seed. 

Rheum

        Rhubarb is easy from seed and ignored by deer. Along with Asparagus, Irises and Peonies, Rhubarb was the backbone of most American home gardens. ‘Champagne' is a unique and very early variety used for forcing. Its unusual curled leaves are fabulously ornamental. 

Rosa rugosa

        The fact that deer eat all of my beautiful and fragrant and medicinal roses and not this boring scentless spreading species seems completely unfair. But if you like Rugosa Roses, go nuts. Deer don't touch them. Sturdy petals are nice for tossing onto bedding if the occasion demands.

Salvia

        Salvia is a huge and wildly diverse genus, and deer will most certainly consume several species (including the delicious S. elegans), but the Salvia species of medicinal value tend to be ignored. Common Sage (S. officinalis) and all of the cultivars of this species are impervious. Lavender Sage (S. lavandulifolia) likewise is ignored. Clary Sage (S. sclarea) is also perfectly safe to plant in the deer-frequented landscape. Soft Silver Sage (S. argentea) isn't fragrant, but its comically large and furry leaves don't get any attention from deer, save for perhaps a curious glance. 

Sambucus

        Deer don't seem to bother Sambucus species once they've matured. Protect young plants with cages through the first winter at least. Sambucus are fast-growing shrubs that can take a lot of abuse once established. S. nigra is highly recommended for its fragrant flowers and medicinal value.

Satureja

        Includes delicious Summer Savory and Winter Savory, as well as several interesting and medicinal varieties, some with attractive creeping habits and foliage that is evergreen in winter. Deer want nothing to do with them. 

Sempervivum

        These hardy succulents come in a rainbow of colors and are perfectly edible! They can be used similarly to Aloe Vera, although they are probably less effective for most medicinal applications. They are tough little plants that multiply quickly in dry, sunny soils. They are unappetizing to deer, although they can be badly damaged by hooves and poops.

Stachys byzantina

        Also known as Lamb's Ears. It is totally impervious to extreme deer pressure and will grow almost anywhere except shade and very wet places. Other species of Stachys are not so reliable. The gorgeous and fragrant Stachys albotomentosa has sadly seen deer damage in my garden, and Stachys officinalis (now Betonica officinalis) might get some nibbles. 

Tagetes

        All species of Tagetes are ignored by deer. Even in the midst of a drought when almost nothing green is within reach, unprotected plants on their most favored grazing and napping grounds are untouched by deer. T. tenuifolia is easy to grow from seed and highly recommended for its anise-flavored edible flowers and citrus-scented foliage. Tropical-looking T. minuta is a traditional culinary herb in some cultures and is exceptionally useful in the permacultural landscape.

Tanacetum

        This genus contains several useful species, all of them impervious to not only deer, but virtually all garden pests. Tanacetum parthenium aurea is a powerful medicinal that doubles as a bright bedding plant for sun and well-drained soil. 

Thymus

        All species of Thyme are impervious to deer. Several colorful cultivars are available as plants. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is an excellent flowering groundcover that is easily grown from seed. Most species have medicinal or culinary value and are attractive to pollinators and predatory insects.

Tulipa ‘Generaal de Wet' 

        Entirely anecdotal: this old Tulip is the only one that deer have not eaten on my property for 3 years running. It is early, bright orange, and extremely fragrant. Available from Old House Gardens. 

Verbascum

        Commonly known as Mullein. Verbascum thapsus is an important medicinal, but several other species are excellent in the perennial border and make good cut flowers. V. bombyciferum has fantastically large white fuzzy leaves and is highly recommended.

Verbena

        For ornamental use and for attracting butterflies. V. tenuisecta is a pretty prostrate species that is great for luring beneficials to the vegetable garden. Tall V. bonariensis is a butterfly magnet that is also excellent for cutting. Deer have occasionally nibbled this latter species but it is a tough plant that bounces back quickly with multiple flowering stems. 

Viola

        Wild and native Viola species fare better than hybrids and bedding varieties. Deer seem to ignore V. odorata, V. sororia, V. labradorica and V. tricolor, but have eaten flowers off of V. cornuta, V. corsica and V. x wittrockiana. Several other species are available from seed and worth trying if you love Violets.

Zinnia

        Deer will definitely eat Zinnias, but not always to the ground. Like Verbena bonariensis, plants bounce back with even more flowering stems than before. Worth trying in an unprotected cutting garden filled with Snapdragon, Sweet Sultan, Nicotiana and Ageratum.