Deer-Resistant Plants for New Jersey
New Jersey has among the highest deer population densities in the eastern US. Per Rutgers NJAES, the state's combination of suburban habitat fragmentation, hunting restrictions in developed areas, and abundant food from residential plantings has created a white-tailed deer population that exerts.
New Jersey has among the highest deer population densities in the eastern US. Per Rutgers NJAES, the state's combination of suburban habitat fragmentation, hunting restrictions in developed areas, and abundant food from residential plantings has created a white-tailed deer population that exerts intense pressure on garden plants throughout the state.
Rutgers NJAES publishes the most authoritative deer-resistance ratings for plants in the northeast US, based on systematic field evaluations rather than anecdotal reports. New Jersey gardeners are fortunate to have this resource produced by their state university.
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Rutgers NJAES Rating System
Per Rutgers NJAES:
- A: Rarely Damaged — Seldom or never eaten
- B: Seldom Severely Damaged — Occasional minor browsing
- C: Occasionally Severely Damaged — Significant browsing in high-pressure conditions
- D: Frequently Severely Damaged — Routinely eaten; not suitable for open planting in NJ
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