Avoid Snake Attracting Outdoor Plants 

Do snakes prefer or attract any particular plants?  Yes, but why? The fragrance properties of certain plants will draw snakes to your yard, & once there, they will enjoy having soft, cozy places to rest their heads. Because, just like humans, snakes have a special organ in their head called Jacobson's organ that allows them to smell chemicals by bringing their tongue back into their mouth.

Snakes seek food, shelter, & water. Thus, examine these snake-attracting plants to avoid them in your garden. Continue reading to learn in detail.

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Which Plants Attract Snakes:-

The following plants are known to attract snakes:

1. Trees: 

• Cedar (Cedrus):

Snakes are drawn to cedar trees because the wood of cedar trees releases fragrant odors. Because of their proximity, shade, & moisture, the vines that grow on cedar trees make an attractive home for snakes. In addition to attracting snakes, the shady area under the vines becomes a desirable nesting spot for rats. Not only that, but the tree grows tall with a wide, flat top that gives snakes a place to hide among its branches.

• Citrus (Citrus):

Snakes are attracted to the Citrus Tree because its fruits are a favorite food source for them. Citrus trees are a magnet for snakes because they provide an abundance of food, shelter, & water. Instead of eating fruit, they hunt the rodents that consume it. Sometimes a tiny pool of water will form in the thick leaves of a citrus tree, making it an ideal hiding place for snakes. For snakes to avoid eating citrus fruits, gather mature fruits & clean those that fall & rot under the tree. Clean rotting fruits regularly to prevent additional harm.

• Cypress (Cupressus):

The dense foliage of cypress trees makes for an ideal nesting habitat for the snakes' favored prey, which often makes their homes (or nests) in the shade of the trees. Because of this, snakes begin to propel in. Moreover, cypress trees have been associated with longevity, sturdiness, & even sadness in some cultures. Planting cypress trees near graves or using them as tombstones reflected the ancient belief that they had a special connection to eternity.

• Sandalwood (Santalum album):

Snakes often coil around sandalwood trees because of their attractive scent. Sandalwood trees are also attractive to snakes because they attract birds & rodents, both of which are a good source of food for snakes. Therefore, snakes often cluster around sandalwood trees in order to hunt & eat the birds & rodents that live there.

Sandalwood is revered not only for its snake-attracting properties, but also because its fragrant wood is regarded as one of the purest in tree mythology.

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2. Shrubs: 

• Clover (Trifolium):

Clover has three-segmented, heart-shaped leaves & pink or white circular flower crowns. It only lives (lifespan) for a short time. Despite their attractiveness, the density of clover beds can make them an ideal hiding & sneak spot for snakes.

• Jasmine (Jasminum spp.):

Snakes like jasmine vines because their dense foliage & pleasant fragrance provide a safe place to hide from predators. Rodents like to live in the dark area under the bushes, which makes it easy for snakes to catch them. Snakes can also hide themselves from possible predators by blending in with the thick plants. 

In some cultures, the jasmine vine is associated with serpents, as depicted in Hindu mythology, in which the deity Vishnu is depicted sleeping on a bed of jasmine flowers with a multi-headed serpent named Shesha serving as his canopy.

3. Other: 

• Hostas:

Hostas are popular among gardeners for their tropical foliage & low maintenance. However, planting hostas can be problematic because they attract snakes. Snakes are drawn to hostas because they enjoy rich, moist soil, which hostas require to grow. Under the hosta leaves, the snakes can hide & find a suitable place to live.

If you don't want snakes to come near your hostas, cut off the thick leaves often. This will reduce snake hiding spots & garden visibility.

• Milkweed (Asclepias):

Milkweed attracts snakes because it provides them a place for hiding themselves while hunting prey. Green snakes often cluster beneath milkweed plants, & smaller snakes can feast on the insects that live there. Furthermore, milkweed grows densely in sunny areas, providing shade for snakes from extreme heat. For maintenance, cut milkweed plants regularly, especially if they become too dense.

• Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp):

Honeysuckle plants are well-known for their fragrant blossoms, which attract pollination-loving insects like bees & butterflies. Because snakes may see this insect proliferation as a food source, they may be drawn to the area. Additionally, honeysuckle plants may attract snakes because they provide shelter & resting places. The dense foliage of these plants can provide snakes with hiding places, allowing them to avoid predators or extreme weather.

Also Check This: How To Choose The Best Indoor Plant

Conclusion

Now that you know which plants attract snakes, you can avoid growing them in your garden. If you don't want snakes to inhabit the area, remove any vines or structures that resemble homes. Keep compost containers & firewood piles 18 inches above the ground & away from your home & garden. For more customized gardening guidance, get in touch with a Greenkin expert.