[Deer-Resistant](/problems/deer-resistant-perennials/) 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.
—- title: "Deer-Resistant Plants for New York Yards" slug: ny-deer-resistant-plants hub: care category: "Regional" description: "Deer-resistant plants for New York yards, rated using Rutgers NJAES research. Species that survive moderate-to-high deer pressure in zones 5-7 across New York." date: 2026-06-10 updated: 2026-06-10 author: "Thomas A." reading_time: 8 —-
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.
—-
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.
—-
Seldom Severely Damaged (Rutgers Category B)
These plants are occasionally browsed but typically recover and do not require protection in most New York yards.
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Zones 3–9 | Full sun
Per Rutgers NJAES, black-eyed Susan is seldom severely damaged. I grow it in my back border without incident most years.
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Zones 3–9 | Full sun
Per Rutgers NJAES, coneflower is seldom severely damaged. Occasional tip browse in my yard, but never significant.
Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly)
Zones 3–9 | Sun to part shade
Per Rutgers NJAES, winterberry is seldom severely damaged. The twigs are occasionally nipped but the plant tolerates it.
Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)
Zones 3–9 | Sun to shade
Per Rutgers NJAES, summersweet is seldom severely damaged — one of the better deer-resistant native shrubs for New York.
Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum)
Zones 2–8 | Sun to part shade
Per Rutgers NJAES, arrowwood viburnum is seldom severely damaged. A good native shrub choice for New York under deer pressure.
—-
Occasionally Severely Damaged (Rutgers Category C)
These plants need protection when deer pressure is high or in early spring when food is scarce.
Hydrangea macrophylla (Mophead Hydrangea)
Zones 5–9
Per Rutgers NJAES, mophead hydrangeas are occasionally severely damaged. In my yard they are browsed in late winter when deer are hungry and other food is scarce.
Hosta spp.
Zones 3–9
Per Rutgers NJAES, hostas are occasionally to frequently damaged depending on deer pressure. In high-pressure suburban Long Island conditions, hostas require fencing or repellent.
—-
Frequently Severely Damaged (Rutgers Category D) — Avoid in Open Areas
Per Rutgers NJAES, these plants should not be planted in unprotected areas in New York deer country:
- Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) — one of the most heavily browsed plants in the Northeast
- Tulips (Tulipa) — eaten to the ground regularly
- Rhododendron — heavily browsed in winter
- Yew (exceptions above apply to established plants; young transplants are heavily browsed)
—-
Frequently Asked Questions
Do deer repellents work in New York? Per Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact repellents (applied to foliage) and area repellents (stakes, hanging bags) reduce deer browsing but must be reapplied every 2–4 weeks and after rain. They are most effective when applied before browsing begins, not after. Per the Rutgers NJAES rating system, repellents do not change a plant's underlying attractiveness — a tulip treated with repellent is still preferred by deer and will be eaten once the repellent wears off.
Is there a completely deer-proof plant? Per Rutgers NJAES, no plant is unconditionally deer-proof. Even the "rarely damaged" plants may be browsed when deer are severely food-stressed (late winter, drought, overpopulation). Physical exclusion (8-foot deer fence or caged enclosures) is the only reliable protection.
—-
Recommended gear: Best Deer Fence for Gardens: What Actually Works Against Heavy Deer Pressure — our buyer's guide covering picks for every budget, ranked by Extension publication consensus and personal use.
Sources
- Rutgers NJAES — Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance
- Cornell Cooperative Extension — Deer Management