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Chances are, if you’re reading an article about deer-resistant plants, you have deer who wander onto your property. Maryland has a large deer population that is getting squeezed out of its natural habitat by continuing development. That means deer may be looking for food in your back yard. But there are some things you can do to protect your landscaping from deer.

First off, we need to discuss what it really means for a plant to be “deer- resistant.” It does not mean that deer will refuse to nibble on it or even eat it down to the ground. It means if other, tastier plants are available, deer will eat those plants first. But in times of overpopulation or starvation, deer will chow down on any plant that is not poisonous.

If you have a deer problem, or your neighbors do, there are several types of deer-resistant plants you can include in your landscaping that will add beauty, but not be a tempting buffet for deer. Below, we list them by category. This information comes from the Maryland Department of Natural Resource (DNR) and Rutgers University.

Again, deer may nibble at some of these garden plants, but if other, more palatable options are available, they’ll go for those, and leave your plants alone. As always, try to avoid invasive plants. Plants listed in bold are native to Maryland. The list includes a number of deer-resistant annuals, deer-resistant perennials, and deer-resistant shade plants. It is not all-inclusive, by any means, but is a good starting place.

Deer-Resistant Shrubs

Deer-Resistant Trees

Deer-Resistant Flowers and Ferns

(A) means annual and (P) means perennial

Deer-Resistant Evergreens

• Yew
• Arborvitae
• Hemlock
• Some junipers

Some of these deer-resistant plants may already be your favorites, especially if you want an herb garden! If you need help coming up with a landscape design that is both beautiful and deer-resistant, give us a call.