If you’d rather not run into snakes in your garden, it’s smart to avoid certain plants that create ideal hiding spots. While these plants don’t lure snakes like flowers do bees, they offer dense cover, cool shade, and moisture—perfect conditions for reptiles.

Plants like jasmine, ivy, lemongrass, and pampas grass provide thick, shady areas where snakes feel safe. Others, such as bird of paradise, aloe vera, banana plants, and cypress trees, retain moisture and attract prey like insects and rodents. Even innocent-looking plants like sunflowers can draw snakes due to seed fallout and close ground cover.

To reduce the risk, avoid planting in dense clusters, trim back growth, and use gravel mulch to keep areas dry and open. Choose upright or sparse plants to minimize hiding spots. With a little planning, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without turning it into a snake haven.