Deer Resistant Shrubs

Looking at this chart of Deer Resistant Shrubs you will be pleased to find that there are many different deer resistant shrubs with a large variety of sizes and foliage types for you to choose from.  Some are evergreen and some are deciduous depending on where you live.  There are no deer resistant shrubs
that are 100% deer proof. You will notice in the comments that many of these plants are toxic, have rough or bitter foliage, or a strong odor that repels deer,  landing them in the rarely damaged shrubs category.

There is no such thing as a completely deer-proof shrub, as deer will eat almost any vegetation if they are hungry enough. When vegetation is low and the deer population is high, it can almost be a lost cause. However, some shrubs are considered to be less palatable to deer, or have physical characteristics that make them less attractive to browse. Here are a few examples of deer resistant shrubs that are considered to be mostly left alone by deer.

Butterfly Bush: These shrubs have a strong, pungent scent that deer typically avoid.

Barberry: Barberry shrubs have spiky leaves and stems, which can make them less palatable to deer.

Boxwood: Boxwood shrubs have dense foliage and a strong aroma that deer usually avoid.

Euonymus: Euonymus shrubs are known for their tough texture and bitter taste, which can make them less desirable to deer.

Juniper: Juniper shrubs typically have tough, spiky needles, which can make them less palatable to deer.

Russian Sage: This plant is not a preferred food of deer and has an aroma that deer find unappealing

Rose of Sharon: This is a deciduous shrub that has been known to be resistant to deer.

Yew: Yew is a slow growing evergreen shrub that have a toxic substance that makes it less palatable to deer.

Firethorn (Pyracantha): This shrub has thorny branches and is not a preferred food source for deer.

Black elderberry: these shrubs have a strong smell and a tough texture which makes them less appealing to deer.

Rarely Damaged Shrubs