Deer-Resistant Plants for New York Yards

I garden in Melville, Long Island, under what I would characterize as high deer pressure. On a warm October evening there are regularly 6–8 deer in the backyard. I have lost hostas, arborvitae seedlings, and a tulip planting to deer browse in the years since we moved here. The approach that has.

I garden in Melville, Long Island, under what I would characterize as high deer pressure. On a warm October evening there are regularly 6–8 deer in the backyard. I have lost hostas, arborvitae seedlings, and a tulip planting to deer browse in the years since we moved here. The approach that has worked for me is a combination of deer-resistant species planted where nothing is fenced, and physical protection (spiral guards, cages) for the few plants I insist on growing that deer prefer.

The most reliable guide to deer resistance for New York is the Rutgers NJAES "Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance" publication. Per Rutgers NJAES, the ratings are based on multi-site, multi-year field observations across the northeastern US, not anecdotal reports. The four categories are: Rarely Damaged, Seldom Severely Damaged, Occasionally Severely Damaged, and Frequently Severely Damaged.

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Rarely Damaged (Rutgers Category A)

These plants are almost never browsed under normal deer pressure in New York.

Nepeta × faassenii (Catmint)

Zones 4–8 | Full sun | 18–30 inches

I grow 'Walker's Low' catmint along my driveway. Zero browse damage in 6 years of high deer pressure. Per Rutgers NJAES, catmint is rated "rarely damaged." The aromatic oils in the foliage deter deer effectively.

Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)

Zones 5–8 | Full sun | 12–24 inches

I grow 'Munstead' lavender with no deer browse. Per Rutgers NJAES, English lavender is rated "rarely damaged." Same mechanism: strong essential oils.

Buxus spp. (Boxwood)

Zones 4–8 | Sun to shade

Per Rutgers NJAES, boxwood is rarely browsed. The leaves are toxic and bitter. However, as noted elsewhere in this site, boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) is now widespread in New York — choose disease-resistant cultivars.

Taxus spp. (Yew)

Zones 4–7 | Part shade to shade

Per Rutgers NJAES, yews are rated "rarely damaged" by deer despite being frequently cited online as deer favorites. The toxic alkaloids in the foliage appear to deter deer. Yews are the safest choice for a deer-proof evergreen hedge in New York.

Ilex opaca (American Holly)

Zones 5–9 | Sun to part shade

Per Rutgers NJAES, American holly is rarely severely damaged by deer. It is a significantly better choice than arborvitae for a deer-proof evergreen screen.

Ornamental Alliums (Allium hollandicum, A. 'Globemaster')

Zones 4–8 | Full sun | Bulbs

I grow ornamental alliums throughout my front border. Per Rutgers NJAES, alliums are rated "rarely damaged." The onion/garlic chemistry is effective. These are among the most reliable deer-resistant spring bulbs for New York.

Narcissus spp. (Daffodil)

Zones 3–8 | Full sun

Per Rutgers NJAES, daffodils are rated "rarely damaged" because the alkaloids (lycorine) in all parts are toxic to most mammals. A reliable replacement for tulips in high deer pressure areas.

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