Antirrhinum subcordatum
Dimorphic snapdragon, dimorphic snapdragon, dimorphic snapdragon
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Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Antirrhinum subcordatum (Dimorphic snapdragon) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Dimorphic snapdragon is a California native annual found in northern and central California Interior Ranges in gentle, open serpentine slopes at elevations of 150 to 800 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces white to tan flowers 13 to 17 millimeters long with a distinctive expanded throat and reflexed lower lip. Growing with erect but weak stems 8 to 90 centimeters tall, often clinging to shrubs or nearby vegetation, it has a delicate, twining habit. Its leaves are ovate, 5 to 60 millimeters long, with rounded tips and short petioles measuring up to 20 millimeters. The fruit is approximately 6 millimeters long, dehiscent through three pores at the tip, containing dark brown to black netted and ridged seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gentle, open slopes on serpentine, often under shrubs
Elevation: 150-800 m
Bloom period
Antirrhinum subcordatum blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 subcordatum native to California?
Yes. Antirrhinum subcordatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Antirrhinum subcordatum bloom?
Antirrhinum subcordatum blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Antirrhinum subcordatum belong to?
Antirrhinum subcordatum is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Antirrhinum.
Is Antirrhinum subcordatum rare or endangered?
Antirrhinum subcordatum carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Antirrhinum subcordatum grow in?
Antirrhinum subcordatum grows in Gentle, open slopes on serpentine, often under shrubs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.