Arizona’s stunning desert beauty comes with a few surprises—and yep, snakes are definitely one of them. With the heat and open landscapes, snake sightings (and bites) aren’t that rare.
I’ve heard plenty of stories from locals who’ve had close calls right in their own backyards. That’s why certain plants are more than just decoration out here—they actually help keep snakes away.
If you’re gardening in Arizona, these plants might be worth adding for a little extra peace of mind.
1. Plantain
Found abundantly in Arizona’s grasslands, plantain leaves work wonders for drawing out venom. Just crush the leaves until they’re juicy and apply directly to the bite area after proper first aid measures.
Many Arizona hikers carry knowledge of this common weed that often grows near trails. While waiting for medical help, this plant can help reduce swelling and pain from minor snake encounters.
2. Echinacea
Native to Arizona’s higher elevations, purple coneflower roots contain compounds that may help your immune system fight snake venom. Chewing the root releases helpful chemicals that can slow venom spread.
Traditionally used by Native Americans across Arizona and neighboring states, this beautiful purple flower isn’t just pretty to look at. Remember that professional medical care remains essential even when using natural remedies.
3. Aloe Vera
This succulent thrives in Arizona’s hot climate and serves as nature’s first aid kit. The clear gel inside helps soothe pain and reduce inflammation when applied to the bite area after proper medical care begins.
Many Arizona homeowners grow aloe vera in their yards for burns and cuts. While it won’t neutralize venom, it can provide comfort while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
4. Yarrow
Across Arizona’s varied landscapes, yarrow grows wild with its distinctive feathery leaves and tiny white flowers. The crushed leaves can slow bleeding and reduce swelling when applied as a poultice to snakebites.
Hikers in northern Arizona often identify this plant along mountain trails. While awaiting professional medical attention, yarrow can temporarily help manage symptoms of some snake encounters.
5. Mullein
The fuzzy leaves of mullein stand out in Arizona’s desert landscape. Crush these velvety leaves and apply them to reduce swelling and pain from snakebites after proper first aid has been administered.
Common along Arizona highways and disturbed soils, this tall plant with yellow flowers is easy to spot. Though not a replacement for antivenom, it has been used historically by settlers throughout the state.
6. Prickly Pear
A symbol of Arizona’s desert, the prickly pear’s fleshy pads contain cooling gel similar to aloe. Carefully remove the spines, slice open the pad, and apply the inner flesh to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Arizona residents have used this cactus for centuries for various ailments. The cooling properties can provide relief while awaiting medical treatment, which should never be delayed for snakebites.
7. Mormon Tea
This distinctive Arizona shrub with jointed green stems has been used by indigenous peoples for various medicinal purposes. A tea made from the stems may help reduce inflammation and improve circulation after a snakebite.
Commonly found across Arizona’s high desert regions, Mormon tea (Ephedra) should be used cautiously. Always seek professional medical help first, as this plant can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
8. Calendula
With bright orange and yellow flowers that bloom even in Arizona’s harsh climate, calendula has anti-inflammatory properties. The flower petals can be crushed and applied as a poultice to help reduce swelling from snakebites.
Gardeners across Arizona grow this hardy plant for its beauty and medicinal uses. While waiting for emergency services, calendula may provide some relief, but should never replace proper medical treatment.
9. Comfrey
Known as ‘knitbone’ by Arizona herbalists, comfrey contains compounds that promote healing. The leaves can be crushed into a paste and applied to snakebite areas after proper medical intervention to help with tissue recovery.
Though not native to Arizona, comfrey grows well in the state’s northern gardens. Its traditional use for wounds makes it valuable, but always remember professional medical care comes first with venomous snakebites.
10. Chaparral
The strong-smelling chaparral bush thrives in Arizona’s desert regions and contains powerful compounds. A poultice made from its small resinous leaves may help slow venom absorption when applied to snakebites.
Native to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, this plant was used by indigenous peoples for various medicinal purposes. Use with caution and only as a temporary measure while seeking immediate medical attention.
11. Agave
Arizona’s landscape is dotted with agave plants, whose thick leaves contain soothing gel. Cut open a leaf and apply the inner flesh directly to a snakebite to help reduce pain and inflammation while awaiting medical help.
Throughout Arizona, these desert icons have been used medicinally for centuries. The cooling gel provides temporary relief, but remember that proper medical treatment for venomous snakebites should never be delayed.
12. Snakeroot
Despite its name, Arizona’s snakeroot isn’t just for snakebites, but traditional knowledge suggests it helps. The roots can be crushed and applied as a poultice to potentially slow venom absorption after proper first aid measures.
Found in Arizona’s mountain regions, this plant was highly valued by Native American healers. Modern science hasn’t confirmed its effectiveness, so always prioritize getting to a hospital immediately after any snakebite.
13. Juniper
The aromatic berries and needles of juniper trees that dot Arizona’s landscape contain anti-inflammatory compounds. A poultice made from crushed berries may help reduce swelling from snakebites when applied externally.
Common across northern Arizona’s higher elevations, juniper has been used medicinally by many cultures. While potentially helpful for minor symptoms, it’s no substitute for proper medical treatment following venomous snake encounters.
14. Jojoba
Native to Arizona’s desert regions, jojoba produces beans containing healing oil. The oil can be applied to snakebite areas after proper medical care to help reduce inflammation and promote healing of damaged tissue.
Commonly found in southern Arizona’s desert landscape, this plant has been treasured by indigenous peoples. While not a treatment for venom itself, it may help with recovery following proper medical intervention.
15. Creosote Bush
After rain, this common Arizona desert plant fills the air with a distinctive smell. A poultice made from creosote leaves may help reduce pain and swelling when applied to snakebite areas after proper first aid.
Widely distributed across Arizona’s lower deserts, this ancient plant contains numerous medicinal compounds. While traditional uses include snakebite treatment, always seek professional medical help immediately following any venomous encounter.
16. Ocotillo
The striking ocotillo with its tall spiny stems is an Arizona desert icon. The inner bark contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation when made into a poultice and applied to snakebite areas.
Across southern Arizona’s desert regions, this plant has been used medicinally for generations. While potentially helpful for symptoms, proper medical care remains essential and should never be delayed for any snakebite.