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What evergreens do deer not eat?

Author

Ava White

Updated on March 01, 2026

What evergreens do deer not eat?

Which evergreen shrubs for privacy are deer resistant?
  • Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
  • Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica)
  • Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
  • Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
  • Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
  • Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

Besides, do deer eat evergreens?

Deer eat not only hostas and many other perennials in summer but the winter foliage of many evergreen trees and shrubs, like arborvitae and yews. They eat the bark of young trees, as well as any twigs, buds, acorns and berries they can reach. Standing on their hind legs, they can reach 7 feet high to browse in trees.

Likewise, what shrubs will deer Absolutely not eat?

  • 01 of 10. Boxwood (Buxus)
  • 02 of 10. Juniper (Juniperus sp.)
  • 03 of 10. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
  • 04 of 10. Andromeda (Pieris japonica)
  • 05 of 10. Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
  • 06 of 10. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
  • 07 of 10. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
  • 08 of 10. Shrub Roses (Rosa sp.)

In respect to this, is there a deer resistant arborvitae?

Types of Deer-Resistant ArborvitaeThese include the "Green Giant", trademarked Spring Grove and "Zebrina" varieties of the western or giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata), flourishing in USDA zones 5 to 8. "Green Giant" attains up to 50 feet in height, with very little spread in width.

What bushes do deer hate?

PLANTS TO AVOID

ANNUALSColeus, impatiens, pansies and violas, petunias, and zonal geraniums (Pelargonium)
SHRUBSAmerican arborvitae, evergreen azaleas and rhododendrons, hybrid tea rose, yew
PERENNIALSDaylily, goat's beard, cranesbill geranium, hosta, Solomon's seal
GROUNDCOVERSEnglish ivy, lilyturf, wintercreeper

Do deer like hydrangeas?

In general, hydrangeas are definitely not a favorite for deer. However, we would never consider hydrangeas deer resistant or deer proof. Taking additional measures to prevent deer from eating your beautiful shrubs doesn't require a lot of work, and shouldn't prevent you from trying to grow hydrangeas in your garden.

Will deer eat pine trees?

Yes, they do, although deer do not preferably eat them. Deer can eat pine when it finds no other palatable food sources or when these pines are native to the location. Deer will also eat White pine, Austrian pine, and Red pine before considering varieties such as the Black pines and Mugo pines.

Do deer like to eat yews?

Virtually every nursery in the country offers a nice selection of yews (Taxus), most of which happen to be relished by deer. But it's rare to find one that sells or knows anything about the plum yews (Cephalotaxus), an excellent group of plants that deer generally avoid.

How do I protect my deer from evergreens?

How To Prevent Deer Damage
  1. Deer repellent is a great first line of defense.
  2. Treat all of your shrubs and young trees.
  3. >>
  4. Wrap shrubs in burlap or cover them in temporary netting for the season to encourage deer to seek out easier food sources (burlap also protects broadleaved evergreens from drying out over the winter).

Will deer eat bark?

In many cases, deer will eat the bark off certain types of trees for nourishment. This can include leaves, grass, acorns, flowers, bark and small insects. If a deer gets into one's yard, it may eat ornamental flowers, tree bark and garden vegetables.

Do pine needles grow back after deer eat them?

When deer eat pine trees, the foliage, needles, buds and stems will quickly regrow in spring.

What evergreens are deer resistant?

Which evergreen shrubs for privacy are deer resistant?
  • Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
  • Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica)
  • Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
  • Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
  • Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
  • Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

What privacy trees are deer resistant?

The following Privacy Trees are our top 15 Deer Resistant Options.
  1. American Boxwood.
  2. Japanese Plum Yew.
  3. Colorado Blue Spruce.
  4. Mugo Pine.
  5. Cedar Deodar.
  6. Wax Myrtle.
  7. Howardi Ligustrum.
  8. Wavy Leaf Ligustrum.

Do deer like junipers?

It sounds like a variety of upright juniper may be the plant you're looking for. You're right, while deer will eat nearly everything if they are hungry enough. Junipers, unlike arborvitae, have a good track record of deer resistance. Upright forms offer beauty, screening and low maintenance within a small footprint.

Are lilacs deer resistant?

Realizing that no plant is deer proof, plants in the Rarely Damaged, and Seldom Severely Damaged categories would be best for landscapes prone to deer damage.

KEY:

Common NameCommon Lilac
Latin NameSyringa vulgaris
TypeShrubs
RatingB

Are azaleas deer resistant?

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are desirable for their bright spring blooms, colorful fall foliage and ease of care. Unfortunately, the shrubs are as desirable to deer as they are to humans. Although there are many deer-resistant flowering shrubs, azaleas are not one of them.

Should arborvitae be wrapped in winter?

Arborvitae Winter Care

Give the shrubs more water on warm days during the winter. In addition to mulch, you may need to wrap evergreens in burlap or other material for winter protection if your winters are particularly severe.

What's the best deer repellent?

The Best Deer Repellent - 2021
  • Luster Leaf Fend Off Organic Deer Repellent Clips, 25-Pack.
  • I Must Garden Natural Mint Deer Repellent, 32-Ounce.
  • Deer Out Concentrate Mint Scented Deer Repellent, 32-Ounce.
  • Liquid Fence Rain Resistant Rabbit & Deer Repellent, 1-Gallon.
  • Enviro Pro Deer Scram Granular Deer Repellent.

Will deer eat redbud trees?

Damage. Deer love to nibble on the spring foliage and flowers of these trees, and may even eat the buds before they can bloom. Because Eastern redbuds are on the small side, it is easy for the deer to reach the branches on these trees. Deer will also chew on the bark if they are very hungry.

Will deer eat viburnum?

Deer usually steer clear from munching on viburnum, but no tree or shrub is truly deer proof. If hungry enough, deer will eat anything. You can try spreading odor deterrents around your plant. (mothballs, decaying fish heads, garlic, fabric softeners), but these usually last just a few days.

Do coffee grounds keep deer away?

Deer have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. While there is no scientific evidence that coffee grounds will deter deer, the bitter smell of spent coffee grounds may signal to deer that humans are nearby and keep them away from your property.

What plants do deer hate the most?

Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky†to deer.

What repels deer from plants?

The most popular deterrents are bars of deodorant soap. Simply take several bars of soap, punch a hole in each one, and use twine to hang the bars of soap from the trees and fencing around your garden. Deer will smell the soap and steer clear of your crops.

Do deer eat daylilies?

Herbaceous plants deer generally eat include crocus, dahlias, daylilies, hostas, impatiens, phlox, and trillium. Some refer to the flowers of lilies and tulips as deer bon-bon candies.

Do deer like butterfly bushes?

Since butterfly bushes are deer resistant, planting them along the forest edge or in a shrub border shouldn't be a problem. Pair butterfly bushes with Verbena bonariensis, pineapple sage, purple salvia, lantana, swamp milkweed and asters. Some dwarf varieties of butterfly bush can be grown well in containers.

What kind of shrubs do deer eat?

Many shrubs will benefit deer and other wildlife, but here are a few good ones to try.
  • Chickasaw Plum or Wild Plum.
  • Allegheny Chinkapin.
  • American Beautyberry.
  • Raspberries or blackberries.
  • Red Osier Dogwood.
  • How to Plant a Seedling Shrub.

What kind of shrubs will deer not eat?

Deer Resistant Shrubs: 5 Tallest Ones
  • 1. Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica)
  • Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
  • Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
  • Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)
  • Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
  • Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
  • Spireas (Spirea species)
  • Barberry (Dwarf Berberis)

What kind of flowers will deer not eat?

Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky†to deer.

How do I keep deer from eating my plants?

The most popular deterrents are bars of deodorant soap. Simply take several bars of soap, punch a hole in each one, and use twine to hang the bars of soap from the trees and fencing around your garden. Deer will smell the soap and steer clear of your crops.

Does human urine repel deer?

For the same reasons that dog urine works to deter deer, human urine also works. You could keep a bottle in your bathroom next to your toilet to be filled up and then apply it around your garden. An easier solution is to have your boys “water the garden†when no one else is around. I'm sure there are other solutions.

Will deer eat impatiens?

Deer often target impatiens (Impatiens spp.), and they have been known to cause severe damage to these beautiful flowering annuals. Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell, so adding pungent plants will help deter them.

Will deer eat lavender?

Deer hate fragrant blooms from certain herbs like lavender and especially sweet-smelling flowers, like peonies. They'll also stay away from toxic plants.

What trees are deer resistant?

The 15 Best Deer-Resistant Landscape Trees and Where to Buy Them
  • White Spruce (Picea Glaucus) – Zones 2-6.
  • Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens) – Zones 2-7.
  • Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) – Zones 3-9.
  • Red Maple (Acer Rubrum) – Zones 3-9.
  • River Birch (Betla Nigra) – Zones 3-9.
  • Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) – Zones 4-8.

Are Black Eyed Susans deer resistant?

Named for their dark brown centers peeking out of the gold or bronze petals, black-eyed susans thrive in the sun. Because its covered in course hair, deer and rabbits stay far away from it. These daisy-like blooms are perfect for a late summer or fall bouquet.

Do deer like petunias?

Petunias will grow from spring until the first few months of frost and deer will almost instantly jump to devour them. Most deer also prefer them because they are extremely moist.

Do deer like begonias?

Not all begonias are deer-resistant, but those with fuzzy stems/leaves or waxy/leathery leaves tend to be. The large leaf wax begonias (e.g., angel wing begonia) have the most deer resistance because deer can still pluck smaller wax begonias right out of the ground (taste test), even if they do not want to eat them.

Are Mugo pines deer resistant?

The Mugo Pine is salt and pollution tolerant and even deer resistant. Once established these tree-shrubs are drought tolerant. Mugo Pines are very cold hardy and thrive in growing zones 2 to 7.

Are beauty bushes deer resistant?

Cutleaf Stephanandra is a good example of an attractive, deer-resistant shrub. Beautyberry is a charming berried shrub that deer usually avoid damaging.