Knowledgebase

Native deer resistant shrubs #929057

Asked April 21, 2026, 7:33 AM EDT

Hello, I am trying to find some native deer resistant shrubs in a shady area to add to my backyard. I was wondering if you had any suggestions? Thank you

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

If you click on the following link: https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/05290247-4a5f-4bd1-b401-65bf59dc089a     it will take you to a downloadable book titled "The Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites". On page 14 of the book, it lists deer resistant trees, shrubs and vines. I have copied the information below: 

Trees, Shrubs, & Vines

Barberis thunbergii Japanese barberry 2-5’ Thorny; many cultivars; red berries and red fall color; may be invasive.

Celastrus scandens bittersweet to 60’ Woody native vine with atttractive berries.

Cornus sericea red osier dogwood 6-12’ Attractive red stems; cultivars vary in height and form.

Forsythia ‘Northern Sun’ forsythia 8-10’ Fast growing, very hardy flower buds, tolerates a wide variety of soils.

Juniperus chinensis Chinese juniper 2-6’ Many cultivars and forms; good for full sun and well-drained soil.

Pinus mugo mugo pine 12-20’ Tolerant of alkaline, compacted or salty soils.

Pinus sylvestris Scots pine 25-50’ Evergreen with attractive bark.

Rhododendron spp. rhododendron &

azalea

3-6’ Evergreen and deciduous species; showy flowers; ‘Northern Lights’

series are the hardiest.

Syringa vulgarus lilac 8-15’ Showy fragrant flowers in spring; tolerant of many sites.

Viburnum lentago nannyberry 12-18’ Native shrub; fruits turn from red to blue; shade tolerant.

If you go through this list, you can search on our U of M Extension Yard and Garden website for the specific shrub. Here is a link to choosing evergreens for your landscape: https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/choosing-evergreens-your-landscape

Here is another link listing deer resistant shrubs: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/white-tailed-deer-damage#deer-resistant-plants-1880560 Many of these are the same as listed above. 

If you visit a reputable local nursery, you should be able to see the shrubs and inspect the labels for the shrub of your choice. 

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied April 21, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT

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