Many people don’t realize that some common garden plants can unintentionally attract snakes. Not because snakes love the flowers themselves, but because the fragrance of these plants draws in insects, frogs, mice, and other small animals — the perfect food source for snakes. When these creatures gather, snakes naturally hide in the bushes nearby and wait for prey.

Below are the plants you should avoid growing in your yard if you don’t want snakes hanging around.

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Night-Blooming Jasmine & Queen of the Night

Some people believe these plants attract snakes because of their strong scent. In reality, the fragrance they release at night attracts a large number of insects and small animals. This steady food supply makes these bushes the ideal hiding spot for snakes.

If you love growing night-blooming flowers, make sure to prune them regularly and avoid letting the branches grow thick and bushy near the ground. This prevents snakes from finding shelter underneath.

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White Leadwort (Bạch hoa xà)

Despite its pure white blossoms and delicate appearance, this plant is known for attracting snakes. Its scent is especially appealing to them, and since it blooms year-round — especially heavily in May and June — the fragrance can easily draw snakes from afar.

If you have this plant in your garden, it’s best to remove it completely to avoid unexpected encounters.

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White Snake’s Tongue Plant (Bạch hoa xà thiệt thảo)

Though many people confuse it with white leadwort, this is a completely different species. Also called the “white snake tongue,” it thrives in damp environments and produces clusters of small white flowers.

According to old beliefs, wherever this plant grows, snakes won’t be far behind. Even though it looks beautiful, you should avoid planting it near your home.

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Jasmine

White, fragrant jasmine is loved for its beauty and aroma. Many people place jasmine pots inside their living room or plant them in the yard for decoration.

However, snakes are surprisingly drawn to jasmine's sweet scent, making it a potential magnet for them. Planting jasmine near your home increases the risk of snakes coming to hide nearby.

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Plants That Repel Snakes

Fortunately, there are several plants known to drive snakes away:

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Snake Plant (Mother-in-law’s Tongue)

Also known as tiger’s tail or sansevieria, this plant has stiff, sharp-edged leaves. Experts say the pointed leaves discourage snakes from coming near, making it an excellent natural snake repellent.

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Prickly Burmese Fishtail Fern (Cây nhựa ruồi)

Similar to the snake plant, this plant has rough, spiky leaves that snakes dislike. A veterinarian from Florida, Dr. Georgina Ushi Phillips, explains that the uneven texture of the leaves makes snakes stay away.

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Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums don’t just brighten up your garden — they contain pyrethrum, a natural chemical used in insecticides. This substance can kill many insects and even repel snakes effectively.

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Mugwort (Ngải cứu)

According to Granger McCollough, CEO of Elite Patio Direct, mugwort produces a strong smell that snakes cannot tolerate. Its large size also helps block snakes from entering certain areas of your yard.

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Basil

While humans love the scent of basil, snakes hate it. If you want to keep snakes away, planting basil around the garden is a simple and effective method.

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Lemongrass

Lemongrass gives off a fragrance used in many insect repellents. Snakes strongly dislike this smell, making it another excellent choice for deterring them.

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Final Advice from Experts

Even though some plants can repel snakes, specialists still recommend keeping your home and yard clean and clutter-free. Trim bushes, remove debris, and clear tall grass regularly to eliminate hiding spots.
If you frequently find snakes near your home, seek help from trained professionals.