This is a great searchable plant database. "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. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions."Source: Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension

There are four main categories of deer damage prevention: exclusion (fencing), chemical repellents, hunting and scaring techniques. Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

The following list of plant material was developed over the past 18 years. This list of rarely eaten plants is based on observations of whitetail deer browsing plant materials during the growing season at the historical gardens of Mohonk Mountain House, a National Historic Landmark in the Hudson River Valley near New Paltz, NY. Source: Cornell University

This article describes the IPM method for deer damage control. This four point approach includes deer fence, deer repellents, population management and vegetation management. It also includes deer resistant plant lists. Source: Maryland Cooperative Extension

The total estimated annual vehicle damage from deer-vehicle collisions for the 13 states surveyed was $390,594,000, ranging from a low of $592,000 for Delaware to a high of $150,000,000 for Pennsylvania. All states except Connecticut, Vermont, and West Virginia reflect collision data for 2000. An average repair bill of $2,000 per collision was used to estimate the economic impact from deer-vehicle collisions, according to the Insurance Information Institute . The data do not include costs of human fatalities associated with deer collisions or costs associated with disposal of deer carcasses. Source: Journal of Extension

Which landscape plants do deer avoid? This is the question that we have attempted to answer. First, we collected deer resistant plant lists from across the Midwest - over 40 lists were collected. From this information, we pulled the plants that were consistently listed as deer-resistant. Our compiled list was sent to over 400 nurserymen, educators, naturalists and garden enthusiasts asking whether or not they found any of the plants to be left alone by deer.
     From the return responses, we compiled the following list, which represents the top picks of good landscape plants that are resistant or minimally damaged by deer.
*Note: Using plants in this list does not guarantee against deer damage. Deer populations and deer taste preferences are variable, and if you have large herds, you will more than likely experience deer damage. Source: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden