Deer Resistant Shrubs for the Midwest

Shrubs with Spines

• Deer have distinct preferences when it comes to the shrubs on which they will forage. Shrubs with spines or thorns have natural defenses against foraging, which will deter deer. Deer tend to avoid shrubs such as holly and devil's walking stick because of their sharp thorns. They will also keep away from shrubs with hairy stems or sticky sap.
  
  

Aromatic or Bitter-Tasting Shrubs

• You should also consider aromatic shrubs such lilac, a common landscape shrub of the Midwest. The sweet scent will keep deer from nibbling on your shrubs. Other possible choices include honeysuckle and fragrant sumac. Deer also have a sweet tooth. Deer will avoid bitter-tasting shrubs such as boxwood.
  
  

Regional Differences

• Bear in mind that deer populations and their preferences for your shrubs will vary depending upon where you live. For example, deer in the Upper Midwest such as Minnesota will forage on the aromatic and bitter-tasting cedar and other evergreens since they are the most abundant food source. Deer from these areas may be more likely to forage on plants that other deer populations in the Midwest may avoid such as lilac. It may be a process of trial and error. Your garden center or state agricultural extension office may provide local information.
  
  

Shrubs to Avoid Planting

• Some shrub species are notorious for attracting deer more than others. If you have a dense deer population in your area, there are some varieties which you may want to avoid planting such as dogwood and yews because of widespread reports of damage, as reported by the University of Minnesota Extension.
  
  

Rarely Damaged Shrubs

• According to Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, there are several shrub species which are rarely damaged by deer and may be good choices for your Midwest garden. Examples include bayberry, Russian olive and butterfly bush. These data are based on input from station personnel and master gardeners of New Jersey. Barberry is an example of one shrub recommended as a deer resistant shrub by the University of Minnesota Extension as well.