20 Snake Repellent Plants To Protect Your Garden

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial 
• Growing zone: 4 to 8
• Bloom time: August to October

There are traditional beliefs and anecdotal evidence suggesting the strong odor from the roots and foliage of Ageratina altissima deters snakes, making it a natural snake repellent. The plant does have a strong, pungent smell that some people find unpleasant.

And snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and hunt, so it's possible they find this odor offensive. White snakeroot is also poisonous if ingested and can cause skin irritation. So, it's best to handle it with gloves and avoid planting it where children or pets may come into contact with it.

• Plant type: Herbaceous annual
• Growing zone: 10b to 11
• Bloom time: July to September

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), is an aromatic herb native to Southeast Asia that is considered sacred in Hinduism. It's a bushy, annual plant with fragrant leaves that can be green, purple, or a combination of both.

This plant offers a pleasant aroma that is believed to act as a natural snake repellent. 

• Plant type: Bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree.
• Growing zone: 10-12
• Bloom time: Late spring to fall

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a beautiful flowering shrub native to warm regions of Asia and the Pacific Islands region. It's known for its large, showy flowers that come in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and even bi-colored blooms.

But why is it considered the best snake repellent, you ask? The presence of citric acid in the leaves and its listing as an active ingredient in some commercial repellents suggests a possible connection between the plant and snake deterrence.

• Plant type: Herbaceous annual
• Growing zone: 10-12
• Bloom time: August to October

Green chiretta ( Andrographis paniculata) is an annual herbaceous plant native to the tropical regions of Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka.

It's known for its bitter-tasting leaves that have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In addition to being medicinal, In some parts of Africa, people plant this to repel snakes.

• Plant type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
• Growing zone: 6 to 9
• Bloom time: Summer and early fall

The Chaste Tree, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is a native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various women's health conditions.

It is still used today to help with menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms. This deciduous shrub is amongst the potential plants that repel snakes.

• Plant type: Succulent perennial
• Growing zone: It's an indoor plant that can grow in any climate

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Dracaena trifasciata), is a popular houseplant prized for its low-maintenance nature and air-purifying qualities.

Amazingly, sociocultural groups in Africa use Snake Plants as snake repellents, likely due to the plants for its odor and appearance. It is believed that the tall, upright foliage with sharp edges might seem intimidating to snakes.

• Plant type: Perennial Tree
• Growing zone: 10-12 
• Bloom time: February to May

Native to India, Burma, and Sri Lanka, the neem tree has been valued for centuries for its medicinal properties and a variety of other uses. While its oil is used in traditional medicinal practice, it is also used as a natural pesticide effective against various insects, mites, and fungi.

It's also considered to be relatively safe for beneficial insects like ladybugs. This versatile tree is also used as a natural snake repellent for yard, as it has the potential to irritate a snake's skin. Also, the pungent odor from Neem leaves and oil might be unpleasant to snakes.

• Plant type: Flowering evergreen tree
• Growing zone: Thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and isn't suited for most temperate climates.
• Features: Fruits are reddish-yellow and contain brown, oblong seeds, which are the bitter kola "nuts."

Sometimes called a bitter cola nut, Garcinia kola is a plant native to central and western Arica. It is prized for its bitter-tasting seeds which have been used in traditional African medicine for centuries.

While Bitter Kola has a long history of traditional use, there are some who believe this plant repels snakes. Traditional beliefs suggest the plant has a strong odor that deters snakes.

• Plant type: Herbaceous annual vine
• Growing zone: 10-12
• Bloom time: June to August

Bitter Melon, also known as bitter gourd or karalla, is a vining plant native to Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. This vine features edible fruits, which are known for their intensely bitter taste.

Despite its bitter taste, karella is a beloved vegetable consumed in India, Nepal, and other South Asian countries. In addition to being a staple food, in some cultures, Bitter Melon is used as a snake repellent, suggesting a traditional belief in its effectiveness.

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Growing zone: 9-11 
• Bloom time: June to August

Cayenne pepper is a herbaceous perennial, which means it's a non-woody plant that lives for multiple years, but the above-ground parts die back in the winter and regrow in the spring from its underground root system. In some warmer climates, it may act more like an annual depending on frost. 

It thrives in warm climates and is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 and can struggle in areas with freezing temperatures. In addition to having an unpleasant smell, Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that irritates the mucous membranes of mammals, including humans. This irritation might also be undesirable for snakes.

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Growing zone: 9-11 
• Bloom time: almost year-round

Yellow Alder is a herbaceous perennial in some regions and a shrub in others. It depends on the climate and growing conditions. In warmer zones, it behaves more like a shrub with woody stems that persist year-round. However, in cooler zones, the above-ground parts may die back in winter and regrow from the roots in spring, making it more like a perennial.

This also means that this species appreciates a full sun or part shade position and is adaptable to various soil types. Also, its smell is thought to be the reason why these are suggested answers to how to repel snakes naturally.

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Growing zone: 3-9 
• Bloom time: June to September

Garlic typically blooms in mid-summer to early fall, from June to September. The flowers are small and lavender-colored, arranged in clusters at the top of the stems. However, most gardeners remove the flower stalk (scape) before it blooms to encourage the plant to put its energy into bulb development.

This ensures larger, more flavorful garlic cloves. But in some West African countries, garlic isn't just limited as a food source; their crushed bulb infusions are used to deter snakes as well. 

• Plant type: Biennial plant
• Growing zone: 3-9 
• Bloom time: June to July

Similar to garlic, onions (Allium cepa) are another edible bulb option that grows well in zones 3 to 9. Onion is a biennial plant, which means it completes its life cycle in two years. In the first year, it focuses on growing leaves and storing energy in its bulb. In the second year, it would typically flower and produce seeds if allowed, but most gardeners harvest the bulb before that happens.

Onions typically bloom in midsummer, from June to July. The flowers are small and have a ball-shaped cluster with tiny greenish-white florets. However, most gardeners harvest the onion before it blooms to get larger bulbs. Similar to garlic, some West African countries use crushed onion bulbs as a snake repellent.

• Plant type: Perennial herb
• Growing zone: 3-10 
• Bloom time: July to September

Wormwood is a non-woody plant that lives for multiple years, growing back from its roots each spring. Generally suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. It tolerates a wide range of climates but prefers well-drained soils and sunny locations.

Wormwood has a strong, bitter odor that some people find unpleasant. This odor might also be repulsive to snakes. Thus, in some cultures, Wormwood is used as a snake repellent, suggesting a traditional belief in its effectiveness.

• Plant type: Annual
• Growing zone: 2-11
• Bloom time: June to October, depending on variety

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are popular flowering plants known for their bright colors and potential pest-repellent properties. They are often mentioned as a natural snake repellent due to two factors, the first being the strong odor and the second being its deep root stem.

Their roots emit a strong, pungent scent containing alpha-terthienyl, a compound that some animals find unpleasant. Whereas, the deep roots can potentially carry the odor throughout the soil, deterring snakes that might burrow there.

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Growing zone: 9-10
• Bloom time: August to October

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a wonderful herb known for its refreshing citrus scent and culinary applications in many cuisines worldwide. This tropical staple boasts a long, stalky body with narrow, green leaves. But beyond its deliciousness, lemongrass has also been traditionally used as a natural insect repellent and, more interestingly, a snake repellent.

In the kitchen, lemongrass adds a unique lemony flavor and depth to various dishes. It's a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially in curries, soups, and stir-fries. 

• Plant type: Tall trees to shrubs
• Growing zone: 8-11
• Bloom time: late winter, spring, or early summer

Eucalyptus is a fascinating genus of flowering plants native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands. They're known for their distinctive characteristics and diverse uses. It comes in a variety of forms, ranging from tall trees to shrubs. Some species can reach enormous heights, making them some of the tallest trees in the world.

This tree thrives in warm climates and is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11 and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. However, some cold-tolerant varieties can survive in cooler zones (down to zone 6).

• Plant type: Trees and shrubs
• Growing zone: 5-9
• Bloom time: Late spring or early summer (May-June)

Holly (Ilex spp.) is a festive plant often associated with winter decorations due to its bright red berries. But beyond its decorative appeal, Holly boasts interesting characteristics and a rich history. The most recognizable feature of Holly, especially during winter, is its bright red berries (technically drupes).

These berries are a food source for some birds, but humans are not typically allowed to eat them as they can cause stomach upset. Similarly, holly is associated with snake repellency primarily because of its spiky leaves. The idea is that these sharp edges would be unpleasant for snakes to slither over, potentially discouraging them from venturing through holly bushes.

• Plant type: Perennial herb
• Growing zone: 8-10 
• Bloom time: March to June

Rosemary is a perennial and fragrant herb widely used in cooking around the world. This means it's a non-woody plant that lives for multiple years, with woody stems that persist throughout the winter in warmer climates.

Rosemary typically blooms in spring and early summer, from March to June. The flowers are small and blue or white, adding a lovely touch to the plant. However, this plant also has a strong, aromatic scent due to the presence of volatile oils like camphor and cineole. This odor might be unpleasant to snakes.

• Plant type: Annual plant
• Growing zone: 5-8
• Bloom time: June to July

Cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is a herbaceous plant of the nightshade family, grown primarily for its leaves which are processed and used in various tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.

It is also an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in a single season, from seed to flower to seed again. Relating to rodents and snakes, people wonder what do snakes eat other than rodents and what plant might work to repel them. Tobacco plants contain nicotine and other alkaloids that give them a strong, pungent odor.

This odor might be unpleasant to snakes. In some cultures, crushed tobacco leaves or tobacco infusions are used to deter snakes, suggesting a traditional belief in its effectiveness.