Deer Resistant Plants

Normally deer-resistant plants

Acanthus mollis Common Name Bear's Breech Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Remains evergreen in summer with irrigation.	Achillea spp. Common Name Yarrow Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Flowers in a wide range of colors.
Agastache spp Common Name Hyssop Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Cut to ground in late winter.	Artemisia spp Common Name Artemisia Exposure Sun Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Evergreen.
Baccharis pilularis Common Name Coyote Brush Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Tough plant - withstands harsh conditions. Groundcovers and upright shrubs available.	Berberis spp Common Name Barberry Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Some have berries in winter. Many attractive foliage colors such as lime and burgundy.
Bouteloua gracilis Common Name Blue Grama Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Reddish flower heads in summer.	Buxus spp Common Name Box Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Slow growing. Classic hedge plant
Calamagrostis x acutiflora Common Name Feather Reed Grass Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Forms dramatic narrow clumps, attractive flowers.	Callistemon spp Common Name Bottle Brush Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Some varieties frost-tender.
Carex spp. Common Name Sedge Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Brown or green leaved varieties provide contrast in color and texture.	Catalpa bignoides Common Name Indian Bean Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks A tough, summer-flowering tree for difficult sites.
Cedrus spp or cv Common Name Cedar Exposure Sun Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Cedars need plenty of space; weeping forms need training.	Centauria cineraria Common Name Dusty Miller Exposure Sun Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Flowers in summer; foliage attractive year-round.
Choisya ternata Common Name Mexican Orange Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Fragrant white flowers late winter/early spring. Part shade in hottest locations.	Cistus spp. Common Name Rock rose Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Needs good drainage.
Citrus spp Common Name Orange, Lemon, etc Exposure Sun Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Dwarf varieties available for containers or patios	Correa spp Common Name Australian fuschia Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Yellow, pink, or orange winter flowers. May be hedged.
Crataegus phaenopyrum Common Name Washington Thorn Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Spring flowers, fall color, winter berries.	Cupressus spp Common Name Cypress Exposure Sun Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Scale-like foliage similar to juniper.
Daphne odora ‘Aureo-marginata’ Common Name Winter Daphne Exposure Part Shade Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Compact forms available. Extremely fragrant flowers	Dietes Common Name Fortnight lily Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Old stalks will re-flower.
Dodonaea viscosa Common Name Hop Bush Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Can be pruned to control size and shape. Good screen or hedge.	Elaeagnus pungens Common Name Silverberry Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Tough plant; withstands harsh conditions. Groundcovers and upright shrubs available.
Erica spp Common Name Heath Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Prefers acid soil with organic content. Some frost tender	Erigeron spp. Common Name Seaside Daisy, Mexican Daisy Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Cut back in winter to renew; most flower year-round .
Eryngium amethystinum Common Name Sea Holly Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Grown for dramatic foliage and showy bracts around flower heads.	Escallonia spp Common Name Escallonia Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Good hedge or screen. Long summer bloom. Can die back in hard freeze, generally recovers.
Eschscholzia californica Common Name California Poppy Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Native has orange flowers. Cultivars available with pink, white, cream, salmon flowers.	Euphorbia spp. Common Name Spurge Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Some reseed but seedlings are easy to pull out. Huge size variation amongst species.
Festuca Californica Common Name Blue Fescue Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Good planted under native oaks	Festuca idahoensis Common Name Idaho Blue Fescule Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Small, low clumps need replacing every few years
Garrya elliptica Common Name Silktassel Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Winter catkins dramatic. Can be pruned to control size and shape.	Grevillea spp Common Name Grevillia Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Huge variation in size and form. Needle-type leaved species are deer-proof.
Helianthemum spp Common Name Sun Rose Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Brilliant flower display. Should be sheared afterwards to showcase evergreen foliage. Many different flower colors.	Helictotrichon sempervirens Common Name Blue Oat Grass Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Golden flower stalks contrast with blue foliage
Helleborus spp. Common Name Hellebore Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Water requirements vary greatly by species. H. argutifolia, foetidus, lividus and sternii most drought-tolerant.	Heteromeles arbutifolia Common Name Toyon Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Large shrub. Excellent fall/winter interest.
Iris spp Common Name Iris Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Native types take full sun along coast, some shade inland.	Juniperus spp Common Name Juniper Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Huge variety, from groundcovers to large shrubs. Many landscape uses. Tolerant of many conditions and useful in hot, sunny sites.
Kniphofia spp Common Name Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Attractive to hummingbirds; groom in spring to maintain appearance.	Lavendula spp Common Name Lavender Exposure Sun Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Cut back in winter to renew - plants generally need replacing in 4-6 years.
Lepechinia spp Common Name Pitcher Sage Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Remove stems in winter at ground level.	Luma apiculata Common Name Luma Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Beautiful bark, good hedge or screen or specimen plant.
Magnolia spp Common Name Magnolia Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Deciduous types are often called tulip trees for the shape of their white,yellow or pink flowers.	Mahonia spp Common Name Mahonia, Oregon Grape Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Striking foliage, good flower display and showy berries. Part shade in hottest locations.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' Common Name Maiden Grass Exposure Sun Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks One of the most well-behaved Miscanthus.	Monardella spp Common Name Monardella Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Requires fast-draining soil; good in native or rock gardens.
Muhlenbergia Common Name Muhly Grass Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Benefits from occasional summer irrigation	Muhlenbergia rigens Common Name Deer Grass Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Native; dramatic accent grass, cut back every few years to freshen
Myrtus communis Common Name Myrtle Exposure Sun Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Good in mixed or shrub border, small hedge or specimen planting. Good drainage.	Nandina domestica Common Name Heavenly Bamboo Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Flowers, persistent red berries, less water if shaded.
Nepeta spp Common Name Catmint Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Cut back in winter to renew.	Nerium oleander Common Name Oleander Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks All parts of plant toxic. Good hedge or screen. Tolerant of many conditions and useful in hot, sunny sites.
Olea spp Common Name Olive Exposure Sun Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Fruitless and dwarf varieties available.	Origanum Common Name Oregano Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Cut back in winter to renew.
Osmanthus heterophyllus Common Name Hollyleaf Osmanthus Exposure Part Shade Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Good hedge or screen, in shrub border or woodland garden.	Pelargonium Common Name Scented Geranium Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Aromatic foliage shunned by deer; some types are variegated.
Pennisetum orientale Common Name Fountain Grass Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Large, feathery plumes; clumps enlarge each year	Perovskia atriplicifolia Common Name Russian Sage Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Cut back in early spring to renew.
Phlomis spp Common Name Phlomis Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Showy spring display of yellow flowers. Wooly gray-green leaves.	Phormium spp. Common Name New Zealand Flax Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Good drainage. Some varieties are huge, many different foliage colors available. Great accent plants.
Quercus kelloggii Common Name Black Oak Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Leaves emerge in beautiful pinkish hues in spring, mature bright green, and turn yellow-orange in fall.	Rhamnus californica Common Name Coffeeberry Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Excellent hedge, screen or specimen. Prune to control size and shape. Some varieties have showy berries.
Rhus integrifolia Common Name Lemonade Berry Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Can be frost-tender inland, spring flowers, summer red fruit.	Rhus ovata Common Name Sugarbush Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Attractive foliage, good form.
Rhus spp Common Name Sumac Exposure Sun Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Brilliant fall color; some species spread by suckering.	Ribes spp Common Name Flowering Currant Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Flowers pink, yellow or white in spring; attracts hummingbirds.
Rosmarinus officinalis Common Name Rosemary Exposure Sun Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Varies from groundcover to upright or trailing shrubs. Blue flowers in winter attract butterflies and bees.	Salvia spp. Common Name Sage Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Huge genus with much variation. Virtually all suitable for Bay Area.
Santolina chamaecyparissus Common Name Lavender Cotton Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Fast growing but short-lived. Trim after flowering, cut back in spring.	Sarcococca Common Name Sweet Box Exposure Part Shade Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks White, fragrant flowers, berry-like fruit. Good drainage
Senecio spp Common Name Dusty Miller Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Classic dusty miller foliage; renew by shearing annually.	Senecio viravira Common Name Dusty Miller Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Palest white of Dusty Millers; pinch stem tips to encourage compactness.
Sesleria spp. Common Name Moor Grass Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Yellow seed heads contrast with pale green foliage	Sisyrinchium spp Common Name Blue Eyed Grass/Yellow Eyed Grass Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Several cultivars available, some variegated.
Solanum jasminoides Common Name Potato Vine Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Blue or white flowers, long summer bloom. Cut back to renew.	Stachys byzantina Common Name Lamb's Ears Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Many cultivars. Heavy rains in winter can shorten life. Foliage has beautiful color and texture.
Symphoricarpos albus Common Name Snowberry Exposure Part Shade Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Spring flowers followed by long-lasting dramatic white berries.	Tagetes lemmonii Common Name Mexican Bush Marigold Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Occasional Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Yes Notes/Remarks Intensely fragrant foliage; cheerful golden-yellow flowers; prune annually.
Teucrium spp Common Name Germander Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Some are large and shrubby, others much smaller.	Thymus spp Common Name Thyme Exposure Sn/Par-Shady Water Low Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Genus includes ground-covers and upright or mounding perennials.
Tulbaghia violacea Common Name Society Garlic Exposure Sun Water Moderate Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks Faint aroma of garlic; long bloom period spring through fall.	Westringia fruticosa Common Name Coast Rosemary Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? No Notes/Remarks White or pale blue flowers. Tolerates harsh conditions. Good drainage.
Yucca spp Common Name Yucca Exposure Sun Water Drought Tolerant Deer Resist.? Yes Ca. Native? Some Notes/Remarks Some species form woody trunks.