Certain plants are ideal for making your garden into a snake paradise due to their characteristics. Find out which ones and how to avoid an infestation.
Warning: These common garden plants could be attracting snakes to your yard
Snakes, like most animals, would rather avoid humans if they can. However, as our communities grow and our settlements spread further out into nature, interactions between the slithering critters and humans are becoming more common.
It doesn’t help that sometimes they stow away in potted plants that we use to decorate our gardens, thus we are bringing them to us. This is of special concern with olive trees for example. But what other plants are prime magnets for serpents?
11 common garden plants that could be attracting snakes to your yard
Snakes can be found just about anywhere you go in the United States, with the exception of Alaska. While there have been some reported sightings of garter snakes, which are harmless, the climate is too cold for most reptiles to survive.
Hawaii doesn’t have any native species, but some have been accidentally introduced them to some islands, even though it is illegal to own snakes in the state.
In all there are around 250 species and subspecies of snakes in the United States according to the MSPAC-Angell. Only four of these are venomous, copperheads, coral snakes, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins. They are also, whether venomous or not, a beneficial part of eco-systems where they are native.
Basically, as is the case with any wild animal, there are certain things that snakes are looking for shelter and food. Certain plants are more ideal than others for these cold-blooded hunters as they also provide cover for serpents to stalk their prey.
Besides the aforementioned olive tree, the following are 11 plants and trees that attract snakes:
- Banana
- Cedar
- Clover
- Cypress
- Hostas
- Jasmine
- Juniper
- Oak
- Rubber Tree
- Sandalwood
- Taro
Want fewer snakes? Here’s what you can do
If you’re one of the many homeowners or gardeners concerned about snakes near your plants and trees, experts say there are simple steps you can take—without disrupting the ecosystem.
- Clear clutter: Remove piles of stones, wood, or debris where snakes might hide.
- Keep it clean: Mow grass, prune dense foliage, and avoid overwatering—snakes like cool, damp spots.
- Control rodent populations: Fewer mice and moles means fewer snake snacks—and less reason for snakes to stick around.
By maintaining a tidy space around your plants and trees, you can still enjoy its beauty and benefits without turning your yard into a reptile resort.
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