Some people try so hard to find repelling snakes plants to deter snakes from coming to their home without realizing that they have plants that attract snakes in their garden. Bed clover, ground cover, and flower bed plants naturally invite snakes since they provide shade and a lush space for them to hide and outwit their prey.
In addition, some of those plants also provide a source of food for rodents, mice, and birds which in fact are the favorite meal of snakes. Meanwhile, others emit unique scents the snakes love.
Plants That Attract Snakes
In the lush tapestry of your garden, a hidden dance of predator and prey unfolds beneath the petals and leaves. But did you know that some of the plants swaying gently in the breeze are like VIP invitations to serpents seeking shelter and sustenance? From the fragrant allure of lavender to the bustling ecosystem around a marigold, these botanicals might just be the unintentional hosts to slithering guests.
Let’s unravel the mystery of these snake-attracting plants, so you can decide whether to welcome the legless wonders or keep your garden a no-slither zone.
1. Cedar Tree (Cedrus)
Some argue that the mulch of Cedar Tree or Cedrus, can repel reptiles, including snakes. Others believe Cedar Tree is a snake’s favorite plant since its woods emit aromatic scents.
In addition, snakes are also interested in its cedar-shaped leaves. Not to mention that the tree grows tall with its wide-flat crown, providing the shades for snakes to stay wrapped around its branches.
2. Clover (Trifolium)
Basically, clover or trifolium is a herbaceous, short-lived perennial plant that grows on the ground. It generally has three-lobed heart-shaped leaves with pink or white globular flower heads.
Despite being an attractive ground cover for your garden or landscape, the clover beds may invite snakes. The denseness of this plant is an advantage for snakes to hide and camouflage to trick their prey.
3. Citrus Tree
Unlike lemongrass, which deters snakes from its citrus smell, the Citrus tree allures snake to visit because of its fruits. It does not mean that snakes eat fruits, but their favorite prey likes ripe fruits that fall under the Citrus tree, including birds and rodents.
Therefore, if you have a Citrus Tree or fruit-bearing plants, it would be better to immediately harvest ripe fruits and regularly clean those that fall and rot under them.
4. Cypress Tree (Cupressus)
Cypress Tree is indeed mesmerizing when it grows tall on a lawn or as a garden hedgerow. However, you must be cautious if you decide to plant it around your yard since this plant may lure snakes to visit.
It is not because they have particular scents or grow fruits, but their favorite prey often builds nests underneath to protect themselves from their hunters. From this point, snakes will eventually follow where they can get some food. Therefore, it is best to prune them leaner when they grow too thick.
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5. Jasmine Vines (Jasminum Spp.)
Beneath the beauty of the flowers that grow from Jasmine Vines, there is danger within them. This vine can lead snakes to live under the lush bush because it offers a close, shade, and damp place to cover them from predators.
In addition, such circumstances also help the snakes camouflage, making it easier for them to keep an eye on their prey. Sometimes, rodents also make nests in the dark area underneath the vines, allowing the snakes to grab them effortlessly.
6. Juniper Bushes (Juniperus Communis)
Similar to the Citrus Tree, Juniper Bushes or Juniperus communis, lure snakes because of the rodents attracted to this shrub. It produces seed cones or berries that become a food source for them.
Other than that, it also provides a comfy home since it grows pretty dense upwards. And as we know, when there are many rodents available, the snakes will start coming to hunt them. Hence, you need to check out your juniper hedge or shrubs if you do not want to welcome snakes in front of your doors.
7. Hostas
Hostas are low-maintenance plant species that have green foliage, giving tropical vibes to any garden they grow. And for this reason, they are the favorite plants of gardeners. Nonetheless, you may face another issue while growing hostas in your garden.
Considering they thrive in rich, evenly moist soil, snakes are attracted to reside underneath the leaves. But, do not worry! As long as you prune them when the leaves get lush, snakes will be barely seen.
8. Milkweed (Asclepias)
Besides being fascinating for monarchs and butterflies to perch on, milkweed is also one of the most common plants that attract snakes and make for the perfect hiding place to watch their prey from a distance.
Furthermore, it grows dense in sunny areas; thus, snakes also often take shelter under the plants to avoid excessive heat. In case you have milkweed plants of any variety in your native garden, it is better to keep an eye on them by regularly pruning them, especially if they grow too dense.
9. Palm Tree
Not only do humans love palm trees for their stunning shape and fresh coconut water, but snakes also love being close to these trees. The reason is that rats and mice, which are their favored meals, often take refuge in coconut tree trunks by making small holes around them.
Moreover, they make these nests to gather food and shelter from predators. Since snakes can climb on tree trunks and branches, they often make these rodents get into trouble and eat them eventually.
10. Sandalwood Tree (Santalum Album)
Like other reptiles, snakes are cool-blooded animals that love to stay under the sun to warm up their body and take shelter under the shade to cool them up. And for this particular reason, snakes prefer to hang on the sandalwood tree as it provides a shady space for them to rest.
In addition, the sandalwood tree also has stems and twigs that can absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. Hence, the tree offers humid conditions favorable to reptiles, especially snakes.
Final Thought
As we conclude our exploration of the green allies in our gardens that may also double as magnets for snakes, it’s clear that our horticultural choices have wider impacts than we might initially see. While some may view the presence of snakes as a concern, it’s important to remember that these creatures play a pivotal role in the balance of our garden ecosystems.
If you’re inclined to deter these reptilian visitors, consider plants that are known to repel rather than attract them, and structure your garden in a way that’s less inviting. Conversely, if you’re a nature enthusiast eager to support biodiversity, embracing these plants can create a haven for snakes and the benefits they bring. Whichever path you choose, let it be a reflection of your respect for nature and your role as a steward of your own slice of the earth.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are snakes most attracted to?
Since snakes are carnivores, they are mostly attracted to rodents, mice, and birds. Therefore, in the presence of those prey, snakes will highly likely follow.
Moreover, other food and water sources, like bird feeders, bird baths, and dog or cat foods outside your home may invite snakes. Any cool and damp place overgrown bushes, ground covers, and tall grass are also their hiding places.
What flowers attract snakes?
Low flowering plants, like milkweed, are one of the plants that attract snakes as they have a growing habit favorable to them. They grow thick and creep; thus, providing an ideal habitat for the snakes. If you have such plants in your garden, make sure you trim them once in a while to prevent snakes from coming to your home.
What are snake repellent plants?
There are several snake repelling plants you can plant in your flower garden to keep them away, such as lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and garlic plants. These snake repellents plants can repel snakes since they have strong, distinctive scents they hate. Besides, snakes are also scared of the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue for its sharp leaves.
