Berberis darwinii
Pungent herbs are generally unappetizing to the deer population, including Salvia (various types of sage), Nepeta (cat mint) and Origanum (oregano) species.
For the shade, ferns are good bets, as are Helleborous, Choisya ternata, Hosta, Liriope, Sarcoccoca, Taxus and Trachelospermum (star jasmine). There are several species of Carex (sedge) that love the shade and do not appeal to deer, although it can safely be said that most ornamental grasses tend not to be deer fodder.
Although deer are mad about roses and can easily munch on Pyracantha, the thorny genus of Berberis are not generally on their menu. Berberis ‘Purple Cloak’ is very dark purple and grows to eight feet or more. Berberis ‘Rosy Glow’ has shades of rose intermingled with the darker purples and only reaches four feet or so. ‘Crimson Pygmy’ grows two to four feet. While all these varieties sport yellow flowers, some not very showy, Berberis darwinii has golden yellow flowers and they are quite striking against the bright green leaves.