The snapdragon is a beautiful flower of the family Scrophulariaceae that has blossoms resembling dragon’s mouths. The botanical name for the snapdragon is antirrhinum, which is Greek for “like a snout”, an apt description for the shape of the flowers. The average height of snapdragons ranges between 8” to 36” and comes in white, pink, red, peach, and yellow. Many snapdragons are bicolored, blending white and yellow, or pink with peach producing a beautiful effect. A native of southern Europe, snapdragons were cultivated for the seeds, which produce oil that can be used for cooking. According to ancient Roman lore, snapdragon oil would ward off witchcraft and sorcery. The flowers can be picked and boiled to create a dye for fabric. Ladies of the Mediterranean area would also use boiled snapdragons to apply to their face in hopes their youth would be maintained.

Snapdragons reseed themselves easily and quickly. If you pinch off a pod once a blossom has lives its life span, you will have a handful of tiny round black seeds in your hand. Save the seeds for planting in another area, or toss them onto the soil in your garden. Snapdragons make a beautiful cut flower, too. Place a vase of them on a table by your front door to welcome positive energy into your home.