The key to attracting lizards to a yard is crafting an ideal environment that provides shelter, food, and water for native lizard species. As such, it is essential to know native lizard species and their habitat requirements. This list will provide examples of plants that can be used to construct a lizard-friendly landscape, but only some of these plant species will thrive in certain environments. Readers can tailor the general tips in this guide to their local environment by seeking plant species or varieties that suit their growing zone and season.
Home gardens and yards are traditionally very different from the historical ecosystems that were once present on the property before the construction of a home. These artificial environments are rarely inviting for lizards due to a lack of food and appropriate shelter. The original natural habitats where a house is built are complex, and gardeners should seek to mimic their local natural environment to attract nearby lizards to a yard.
Additionally, chemicals like weedkillers or pesticides should be avoided as these can harm lizards directly and reduce the number of prey species within the garden, making the space less attractive. Garden spaces do not have to be wild and unkempt to attract lizards; they can also make use of a well-manicured garden.
Plants recommended in this guide should serve as examples and are not necessarily required to attract lizards. Feel free to experiment with different layouts and plant species. For best results, consult with local wildlife and plant experts to understand which plants attract which native lizards and how best to care for them.
1) Groundcover plants
Adequate ground cover is a must-have for a lizard-friendly garden. Low-growing shrubs provide shade, cooling the ground below them and allowing lizards a dynamic space to regulate their body temperatures. As cold-blooded reptiles, lizards must bask to warm their bodies and move to shade when they become too warm; shrubs provide a place for the latter. Additionally, lizards can hide in shrubs and bushes to escape predators.
Some examples of North American native and lizard-friendly plants that provide adequate ground cover are Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata), which prefer shaded areas and produce long, flowy trails of fern leaves. This species is native to Florida, Mexico, and South America. Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a bushy North American native that spreads along the ground, providing robust ground cover. The plant also produces edible red berries. This species is found in eastern North America and grows in zones 3 to 8. Coral bells (Heuchera americana) have vibrant and broad purple leaves for gardeners seeking to add color to their gardens. This species is also native to eastern North America.
On the North American west coast, bushes like the big saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis) provide plentiful ground cover and thrive in dry environments. While the big saltbush is native to the southern half of the West Coast, species like the bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) thrive in northern and southern climates. This plant also produces bright red edible fruits.
2) Grasses
Most urban lawns are almost entirely grass species like common bahia (Paspalum notatum) or centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides), with some weeds sprinkled here and there. These grass species are almost always non-native and form dense monocultures with extremely low biodiversity. The lack of variety in these habitats is not very attractive to lizards, and due to their short, well-kept nature, lawns make poor habitat for reptiles. Loud machinery, like lawnmowers and weed eaters, actively scare lizards away as well.
Adding tall or sprawling grasses to a reptile-friendly garden can provide benefits that short lawn-type grasses do not. Firstly, these grasses can attract large and small insects that feed on or hide amongst the grasses. Any small insects are bound to attract the lizards that feed on them. Secondly, grasses can provide shelter and protection from predators, as with other groundcover plants. Native grasses also control erosion and usually require less maintenance than introduced grasses.
There are many species of grass native to North America that make fantastic options when it comes to a lizard garden. From diverse fescues (Festuca spp.) to beautiful bushy muhlies (Muhlenbergia spp.), there is bound to be a native grass that would make a perfect addition to any home garden. Other potential options include switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides). This last species is a North American native “short grass,” which does not form tall, bush-like plants.
3) Trees
Trees are another great addition to a lizard garden, especially shorter trees or younger trees, as they can serve as basking locations while protecting from predators. These plants also make great “perching” locations for male lizards, like those in the Anolis genus, to advertise themselves to potential mates. Often, these lizards will establish a territory by claiming a section of a tree or bush and defending it from competitors.
Junipers (Juniperus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), dogwoods (Cornus spp.), and willows (Salix spp.) are just a few types of lizard-friendly trees that can be added to a lawn. Within each genus are various species tailored to habitats and ecosystems throughout North America. Need help determining which tree is best for your garden? Consult local nurseries or conservation agencies to decide which plants suit your area.
4) Flowering plants
Flowering plants attract lizards by attracting or producing their favorite things, food! Insectivorous reptiles are drawn to flowering plants in search of small insects that feed on these plants and pollinate them. They will also eat pests like ticks and fleas that use blooming plants and grasses as a place to hide and wait for potential hosts to walk by.
Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) are a popular and ubiquitous group of flowering plants that attract food for lizards and are hosts to beautiful butterflies. Lizards prefer flies and other small insects drawn to the milkweed’s nectar and avoid eating butterflies or caterpillars on the plant. This is because milkweeds produce a toxic chemical that is absorbed by the caterpillars that eat them. These caterpillars are vibrant in color, warning any predators of a potential poisonous meal should they try to eat the caterpillars.
Sweet and fragrant honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) are other flowering plants that attract many insects due to their sweet aroma and nectar. Not all varieties of honeysuckle are native to the U.S., so be sure to check with local gardening experts to find out which species are best for your area.
Particularly common in the southern United States, lantanas (Lantana spp.) are a diverse group of flowering plants with vibrant and colorful flower clusters. These plants come in many varieties that sport various colors, from white and pink to yellow and red. Additionally, they are robust and resistant to drought, cold, and heat stress. One downside to lantanas is their tendency to go dormant in the winter, requiring routine trimmings to keep the plant in optimal health.
5) Other – rocks & moisture
Regarding natural ecosystems, plants are not the only components that make suitable lizard habitats. Other features include rocks, mulching, structure, and water features. Rocks make fantastic basking spots if left in full sun. These basking spots are beautiful to lizards if located near cover so that a basking lizard can dart to safety should a predator draw near. Rocks and other debris also provide structure within a habitat, allowing more lizards to occupy the same region and improving diversity within the landscape. Placing flat designs, with a bit of space under them, near vegetation can serve as “lizard lounges,” offering a cozy and safe space for lizards to rest.
Gardens often use mulching to prevent weeds from establishing in manicured beds. This practice also prevents water from evaporating from the soil, creating a humid microclimate. These sticky spots can attract female lizards searching for safe locations to lay their eggs, supporting a new generation of local lizards. Trapped humidity can also provide a haven for lizards when a drought hits, allowing them to preserve precious moisture.
Gardeners can provide lizards with a source of fresh water, like a pond or fountain, so they can drink and regulate their body temperature. An open source of water can also attract insects, becoming a source of tasty meals for resident lizards. Be sure to keep water in fountains and ponds free of chemicals or predatory fish. Additionally, stagnant water bodies can attract mosquitos, which may be a health concern, so gardeners should ensure that water within fountains and ponds is constantly circulating to prevent mosquitos from laying eggs in them. This can be done using bubblers and pumps.
