Genus: Antirrhinum

Common Names: snapdragons, dragon flowers, toadflax, dog flowers

Antirrhinum includes approximately 23 species of mostly short-lived perennials. They are commonly used as ornamental plants and for cut flowers, but their leaves, flowers and seed oil extracts have also been used in dyes and anti-inflammatory poultices. Vibrant tubular, symmetrical flowers feature a liplike mouth that excludes many insects, but may be entered by strong bees--their primary pollinators.

Distribution: West and Central Mediterranean

Antirrhinum braun-blanquetii

Common name(s): Spanish snapdragon

Description: perennial; dense, gray-green foliage and large, copious blooms of cream flowers with lemon yellow throats from spring well into fall. Considerably longer-lived in very lean/gritty soils with little to no supplemental irrigation. Will occasionally self-sow in nearby areas unless spent flowers are removed.

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and gritty/lean, well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought

Distribution: NW Spain, SW France

Antirrhinum hispanicum 'Roseum'

Common name(s): Spanish snapdragon

Description: perennial; a low-growing mound of dense, fuzzy gray-green foliage and spikes of small pink flowers throughout the summer. Considerably longer-lived in very lean/gritty soils with little to no supplemental irrigation. 

Height: to 1 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun and gritty/lean, well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 5 months of summer drought

Distribution: Southern Spain (Granada), Morocco