Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus

Origin: Southwestern Europe and the Mediterranean region

Cool-Season Annual

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

not applicable: not a food plant in PlotAndPetal

Hazard type

The NC State page lists no poison information. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, per ASPCA's Common Snapdragon page. NC State Extension's entry for this species agrees.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for 'Summer Snapdragon' (Angelonia angustifolia), a common nursery name for an unrelated genus in a different family. To tell them apart: Angelonia's small flower spikes superficially resemble true snapdragon's, but it's an unrelated genus; check the botanical name.. This guide covers true snapdragon only (Antirrhinum majus): Angelonia is not covered here and would need its own guide.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 7a - 10b (NC State Extension); grown as a cool-season annual farther north
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 6 in (dwarf/bedding types) to 4 ft (tall cutting types) depending on cultivar.
Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon