In many regions, snakes are becoming increasingly common around residential areas, and several incidents of snake bites have even led to dangerous complications and fatalities. To keep your family safe, experts advise not only avoiding contact with snakes but also removing certain plants around the home — because these plants can attract snakes more than you think.

Below are four types of plants strongly believed in traditional knowledge and local observations to attract snakes. If they are growing around your home, it is best to remove them promptly.

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1. Hedyotis diffusa (White Flower Snake-Tongue Grass)

Also known as white-flowered snake’s tongue herb, this plant grows year-round in moist, shaded areas such as roadsides, stream banks, or damp soil. It appears widely across northern, central, and southern Vietnam.

Folk belief suggests that where this plant grows, snakes often appear, as they prefer the same damp, cool environments. Although it has medicinal uses, planting it near the home is discouraged due to its association with snake presence.

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2. Wrightia antidysenterica (White Crane Flower / Bạch hoa xà)

This plant, commonly known as white crane flower, white peacock tail plant, or bạch hoa xà, thrives in shaded, humid conditions.

While it is a valuable medicinal herb traditionally used to support treatments for skin inflammation, liver conditions, gallstones, and even certain tumors, its strong natural fragrance is believed to be particularly attractive to snakes. For this reason, households are advised not to grow it in accessible outdoor spaces.

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3. Purple Garcinia (Sa nhân tím)

When the fruits of purple garcinia ripen, their sweet scent attracts small animals like rodents, squirrels, porcupines… which are all natural prey for snakes.

Snakes often follow their prey, so during fruiting season, these trees may indirectly attract snakes. They commonly grow near streams, forest edges, and other shaded, humid environments. Locals are advised to avoid areas where this plant grows in clusters—especially during fruiting periods.

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4. Other Fragrant Plants That May Attract Snakes

Traditional knowledge also notes that several strongly fragrant plants may attract snakes, such as:

• Telosma cordata (hoa thiên lý)

• Jasmine (hoa nhài)

• Aromatic herbs

• Morning glory vines

However, many farmers observe that snakes tend to avoid places treated with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, as these affect their sensitive sense of smell.