Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum
Photo: parent species Antirrhinum nuttallianum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum is a native California annual in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by key features: very dense fine hairs, flowers absent from proximal 1-leaved nodes, longer distal pedicels.
Nuttall's snapdragon is a California native annual found in southern California coastal areas, San Bernardino Mountains, and Peninsular Ranges in rocky areas and burn sites at elevations below 1,300 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces snapdragon-like flowers with a distinctive white blotch on the lower corolla lip. Growing 6 to 200 centimeters tall with very dense, fine hairs covering its stems and branches, it displays opposite leaves primarily on the lower nodes of the main stem. Its leaves are relatively small, less than 60 millimeters long, with petioles shorter than 25 millimeters. The fruit is 3.5 to 8 millimeters long, with 9 to 10 distinct longitudinal ridges.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; key features: very dense fine hairs, flowers absent from proximal 1-leaved nodes, longer distal pedicels
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky areas, generally inland areas, especially burns
Elevation: < 1300 m
California counties: San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum blooms May-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Linaria: Antirrhinum has a bulging sac at flower base; Linaria has a long backward-pointing spur.; vs Sairocarpus: Antirrhinum has hairy plants with twining flower stalks; Sairocarpus is glabrous with straight stalks.; vs Penstemon: Antirrhinum has closed snapdragon mouth with 4 stamens; Penstemon has open throat with 5 stamens (one sterile).; vs Salvia: Antirrhinum has 4 stamens hidden inside; Salvia has 2 stamens arching out of hooded upper lip.; vs Rosa: Antirrhinum has tubular two-lipped flowers; Rosa has flat open flowers with 5 separate petals and thorny stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum native to California?
Yes. Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum bloom?
Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum grow?
Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum occurs in San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 1300 m.
What plant family does Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum belong to?
Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Antirrhinum.
What habitat does Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum grow in?
Antirrhinum nuttallianum subsp. nuttallianum grows in Rocky areas, generally inland areas, especially burns.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.