Srubh lao
Latin name: Antirrhinum majus
The snapdragon flower is very common in Ireland today.
It is native to North America and the Mediterranean countries. It flowers from June to October.
Snapdragon
Irish name: Srubh lao Latin name: Antirrhinum majus
©Jenny SeawrightSnapdragon
©Jenny Seawright
©Jenny Seawright
Snapdragon
Irish name: Srubh lao Latin name: Antirrhinum majus
©Jenny SeawrightSnapdragon can really grow in most places. It grows in waste ground, cracks in the pavement, and old walls. It has even grows on rubbish tips!
Snapdragon plants love full sunlight. It can grow very quickly.
The bright flowers of the snapdragon grow in lots of bright colours. They can be yellow, white, pink or red.
They are many children’s favourite flowers. When you look closely, the flowers look like the face of a dragon that has its mouth open wide. If you pinch the flower gently, it instantly clamps down – snap! This is where it gets its name, snapdragon.
If you have snapdragons in your garden, you must be very careful around them. All parts of the flower, including the seeds, are poisonous if eaten.