Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus

Snapdragons are colorful flowers that look like little dragon faces! When you squeeze the sides, they open and close, just like a dragon's mouth. They come in many bright colors and are fun to see in gardens.

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Snapdragon has tall, upright stalks adorned with tubular flowers that resemble a dragon's mouth or a gaping face. These vibrant blooms come in almost every color except true blue, often featuring striking bicolor patterns and a unique 'snapping' motion when squeezed.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusAntirrhinum

Snapdragon

Interesting facts

Its name, Antirrhinum, means "like a snout" in ancient Greek!

Snapdragons were once believed to have magical protective powers!

Some snapdragons can survive light frosts and keep blooming.

The flower's unique "snap" sound amused gardeners for centuries.

Special abilities

Snapdragon's "mouth" flowers are perfectly shaped to be opened by heavy bumblebees, helping it control who pollinates it.

After blooming, the seed pods dry into shapes uncannily like tiny human skulls, protecting the seeds inside.

It has extremely bright, diverse flower colors and patterns that attract specific insect pollinators from far away.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-120 cm
Spread: 15-45 cm
Flower Size: 3-5 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to first frost
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Large bees are strong enough to open the flower mouth.

eats

Convolvulus Hawk-moth

Agrius convolvuli

Caterpillars feed on the foliage.

eats

Small White

Pieris rapae

Caterpillars munch on leaves and flowers.

Traits

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

Tube Flower

Discover unique flowers shaped like long, slender tubes, often attracting special pollinators like hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.