Antirrhinum orontium
Syrian snapdragon
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Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Antirrhinum orontium (Syrian snapdragon) is a non-native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by terminal raceme with leaf-like bracts and non-native status.
Syrian snapdragon is a naturalized annual herb found in southern Sacramento Valley and central coastal California (Monterey County) in open, disturbed areas at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces pink flowers approximately 10 to 15 millimeters long in raceme-like clusters with hairy bracts. Growing with erect, self-supporting stems that are generally glabrous toward the base, it develops a distinctive branching structure. Its leaves are generally unequal, with lower calyx lobes matching or exceeding the corolla tube length. Seeds are characterized by one side being flattened with a raised, rough, and irregular border.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; key features are terminal raceme with leaf-like bracts and non-native status
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Lake
Outside California: native to Mediterranean
Bloom period
Antirrhinum orontium blooms Mar-Jun.
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 orontium native to California?
No. Antirrhinum orontium is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Antirrhinum orontium bloom?
Antirrhinum orontium blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Antirrhinum orontium grow?
Antirrhinum orontium occurs in San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Lake, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Antirrhinum orontium belong to?
Antirrhinum orontium is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Antirrhinum.
What habitat does Antirrhinum orontium grow in?
Antirrhinum orontium grows in Open, disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.