22 Beautiful Plants That Can Help Keep Snakes Out Of Your Yard

There are plenty of people who adore snakes. Then there are the rest of us who get light-headed when someone utters the word "snake." While they have a purpose to fill in nature, you might not want them fulfilling that purpose in your yard. If you're not keen on resorting to harsh chemicals in your outdoor space, nature has a line of defense: Pretty plants that bring a splash of dazzle to your space but just so happen to make snakes think twice before slithering in.

Some plants come with built-in powers that allow them to release scents, oils, or bitter compounds, which can be great for you, but to snakes, not so much. They depend on their finely tuned sense of smell and taste to get around in the world, which can make a strong whiff of one of these fragrances quickly turn your yard into a place snakes would rather avoid. Other kinds of plants pose a physical challenge, with dense, thorny foliage that makes slithering through tough for these animals. From fragrant herbs like rosemary, mint, and basil to dramatic blooms like agapanthus, daffodils, and geraniums, there are plenty of plants pulling double duty by adding copious amounts of color to your space and a durable obstacle that snakes often don't want to tackle.

Although there are plants that could attract unwanted snakes and no plant guarantees a snake-free zone, these can help create an environment that snakes would rather skip altogether.

With its globe-shaped clusters of starry flowers, ranging from soft pinks to vibrant purples, flowering onions (Allium schoenoprasum) bring a spectacular aesthetic to your yard. But the bonus is that its strong, onion-like scent makes snakes think twice before traveling through your space. Thriving in Zones 4 through 8, flowering onions are hardy, easy to grow, and do best in sunny spots with well-drained soil.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a tough, evergreen herb that does more than add flavor to your food. Its strong, piney scent is pleasant to humans but too much for snakes to handle. However, rosemary's dense structure also makes it a perfect hiding place for snakes, so consider growing these plants in small areas or pots around your home's entry points. Rosemary thrives in the hot, dry conditions found in Zones 8 through 11, thus making your low-maintenance yard a snake-free space.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is more than just a fragrant, tropical-looking plant. It's also a natural repellent to snakes. This tall, grassy herb produces citronella, a strong-smelling oil that snakes find way too overwhelming. Because snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and hunt, the potent citrusy aroma of lemongrass can throw them off and make your yard less enticing. Bonus: Lemongrass is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and pulls double duty by repelling other pests from your yard, too.

Though it's not the most showy plant, wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is still an impressive, silver-leaved perennial with a powerful, bitter aroma that has been used for centuries to repel pests — and that includes snakes. Its scent is pretty intense and lingers for far too long, making it very unpleasant for these creatures. Wormwood is hardiest in Zones 4 through 9 and is perfect for low-maintenance or drought-tolerant landscapes.

Marigolds (Tagetes) are pretty, cheerful, sun-loving flowers that pack a surprising pest-fighting punch. Their strong, musky scent isn't just disliked by insects — it also makes snakes think twice before invading your space. By repelling pests like ticks, beetles, and other insects that snakes feed on, marigolds make your yard less appealing as a hunting ground. They're also hardy in a variety of conditions, including Zones 2 through 11.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a tall, feathery herb with a sweet, anise-like scent that's inviting to people but unappealing to snakes. The plant's airy, umbrella-shaped flower clusters add a whimsical touch to garden beds, while its hardy nature means it thrives with minimal care for those who live in Zones 4 through 9. Fennel bulbs attract pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bees, so you'll be discouraging snakes but welcoming more garden-friendly guests.

Lavender (Lavandula) is a fan favorite for its splash of soft purple and a cloud of fragrance, but its intense aroma isn't so pleasant for snakes. The plant's essential oils release a potent scent that can overwhelm a snake's sensitive smelling organ (called the Jacobson's organ) located on the roof of its mouth. Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained spots, specifically in Zones 5 through 9, needs little care once established, and offers a natural way to make your outdoor spaces less inviting to unwanted serpents.

Mint (Mentha) is a fast-growing, fragrant herb that's equal parts functional and flavorful. While most of us can't get enough of its strong, refreshing scent, mint can be overwhelming to snakes. It's also a natural repellent for many insects, further reducing the food sources that might attract snakes. Mint thrives in almost any type of soil, but it spreads aggressively, so it's best grown in containers or confined garden spaces in Zones 3 through 11.

Geraniums (Pelargonium) bring a hidden benefit amongst their bursts of color and bright, showy blooms — deterring snakes. Their strong, sometimes citrusy scent can be unpleasant to a snake's highly tuned sense of smell, encouraging them to steer clear of your yard. Versatile and hardy in Zones 3 through 8, geraniums are low-maintenance with a long blooming season, keeping your outdoor spaces livelier without unwanted guests spoiling the mood.

The golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is an impressive, globe-shaped succulent that's as much a natural deterrent as it is a sculptural garden addition. Its dense covering of sharp, golden spines creates an unwelcoming barrier for snakes, making it difficult for them to move through or hide nearby. Hardiest in Zones 9 through 12, this desert native thrives in hot, dry conditions and needs very little water, and is perfect for xeriscaping or low-maintenance landscapes for added curb appeal.

Yellow alder (Turnera ulmifolia) is a cheerful, sun-loving shrub that will brighten your garden with its golden, buttercup-like flowers. While its beauty draws in pollinators like butterflies and bees, it can help deter snakes by warding off the pests they prey on. Hardy and a perennial in warmer climates, including Zones 9 through 11, yellow alder thrives with minimal care, blooming almost year-round in ideal conditions.

Mother-in-law's tongue (Dracaena trifasciata), also known as the snake plant, is a bold, architectural houseplant that doubles as a snake deterrent outdoors in warmer climates, like Zones 10 through 12. Its tall, sword-like leaves grow stiff and upright, and if you plant enough, they can create a sharp barrier that's difficult for snakes to slither their way through. It's tough, pointy foliage makes it less inviting as a snake shelter, while its ability to thrive in poor soil and with minimal water means it's super low-maintenance.

Pink agapanthus (Tulbaghia), with its elegant clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms, adds a soft yet striking touch to garden beds and borders. While most people plant it for its beauty, it's also believed to help keep snakes at bay thanks to its strong onion-like scent and dense, strap-like leaves. Thriving in Zones 7 through 10 with sunny spots and minimal upkeep, pink agapanthus offers a pretty way to make your outdoor spaces less inviting to unwanted pests.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) isn't just for pasta sauce. It can also play a role in keeping snakes away from your yard. With its bold, aromatic leaves, basil can overwhelm a snake's highly sensitive smell, making the area less appealing for them to explore. This fragrant herb thrives in warm weather and rewards you with lush greenery and edible leaves all season long, especially in Zones 10 through 11.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is famous for its intoxicating effect on cats, but it also has a lesser-known role as a natural snake deterrent. Its strong, minty scent can overwhelm a snake's sensitive sense of smell, making your yard way less appealing. Easy to grow and fast-spreading, catnip thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil and is hardiest in Zones 3 through 8.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) is a fast-growing, fragrant shrub that brings a fresh, clean scent to the garden — one that snakes tend to avoid, thanks to its menthol-like aroma. The strong essential oils it releases can encourage them to avoid the area altogether. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established in Zones 7 through 10, eucalyptus is a low-maintenance option when you want beauty, shade, and a natural layer of protection.

Daffodils (Narcissus) are cheerful bloomers known for their bright yellow trumpets and fresh fragrance. Beyond their beauty, they're believed to help keep snakes away since they have toxins snakes instinctively avoid. These hardy perennials are easy to grow in Zones 4 through 8, tolerate a variety of soils, and return year after year with minimal care. This gorgeous flower also doubles as a powerful rat repellent, which is another reason snakes tend to find another hangout when they're near.

Mums (Chrysanthemum) aren't just a Texas high school tradition kids wear to homecoming football games. These vibrant, daisy-like flowers also bring a burst of color to gardens, plus they have natural compounds that are often used in insect repellents, and can also discourage snakes from roaming freely in your yard. Mums are relatively easy to grow, thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, and tend to be hardiest in Zones 3 through 9.

Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) isn't just a pretty wildflower. Thanks to its prickly, bitter leaves and toxic flowers, it's a super great natural deterrent that snakes do their best to steer clear of. Its clusters of small, fluffy white or pinkish flowers add a splash of daintiness and beauty to your yard. While not a high-maintenance plant, snakeroot prefers partial shade and moist soil, growing best in Zones 3 through 9.

Garlic (Allium sativum) doesn't really have a bold presence in any garden, but it's the intense, lingering garlic-y scent it comes with that can interfere with a snake's ability to sense its surroundings and encourage them to bypass your area entirely. Hardiest in Zones 4 through 9, garlic flourishes in well-drained soil and full sun, asking for little attention beyond occasional watering. Their long, grass-like leaves make your space look like a vertical, edible garden.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a versatile herb with an earthy, pungent aroma that adds flavor to the kitchen and a pretty vibe to your outdoor space. While its soft, gray-green leaves and occasional purple blooms bring beauty to borders, sage's bold fragrance is a big red flag to snakes. It thrives in sunny spots, primarily in Zones 4 through 8, and requires little upkeep once established.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing herb that quietly works overtime in the garden. Its concentrated, herbal fragrance can make your yard less appealing to snakes, although its soft, dense mats create the perfect cover for rodents that attract snakes, so ensure to plant it in small clusters. This hardy plant thrives in sunny, dry spots, like in Zones 5 through 9, making it perfect for rock gardens, borders, or even between stepping stones, hopefully without the worry of snakes spoiling the mood.