What Flower Looks Like a Dragon? Unveiling the Mystical Blooms
The flower that most famously resembles a dragon is the snapdragon, scientifically known as Antirrhinum. Its whimsical name and dragon-like appearance are not mere coincidence. The shape of the snapdragon flower, with its two-lipped corolla, indeed evokes the image of a dragon’s face. When the sides of the flower are gently squeezed, the “mouth” appears to open and snap shut, furthering the resemblance to a dragon in action. This distinctive characteristic has cemented the snapdragon’s place as the premier flower when we ask: “What flower looks like a dragon?” However, the snapdragon isn’t the only bloom that hints at serpentine or mythical aesthetics; several others have intriguing similarities that warrant exploration.
Snapdragons: The Quintessential Dragon Flowers
How Snapdragons Earned Their Name
The name “snapdragon” is a direct reference to the flower’s unique structure. The petals form a two-lipped “mouth,” and if you gently press the sides of the flower, it will appear to open and close, very much like a dragon snapping its jaws. This playful quality, coupled with the flower’s fantastical shape, firmly secured its association with dragons in popular imagination.
Characteristics of True Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
True snapdragons belong to the genus Antirrhinum and are characterized by their distinctive two-lipped flowers. These blooms typically grow in long spikes, offering a dramatic display of color and form. Most wild snapdragons feature pinkish-purple flowers with yellow and white markings where the lips meet, further accentuating the “dragon’s mouth” effect. Their leaves are elongated and often paired along the stem, contributing to the plant’s overall unique appearance.
Flowers with Snapdragon-Like Features
While the Antirrhinum is the definitive dragon flower, several other species share its visual characteristics, sometimes leading to confusion.
Angelonia: The “Summer Snapdragon”
Angelonia, often called “summer snapdragon,” produces flower spikes that bear a striking resemblance to snapdragons. Though the flowers appear dainty and almost orchid-like, they are very heat and drought-tolerant. Angelonia flowers come in a variety of colors including white, pink, yellow, peach, purple, and bicolor options, making them a versatile choice for any garden. These are not true snapdragons, but they effectively capture the essence of the dragon flower’s look.
Yellow Toadflax: The Wild Snapdragon
Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), also called “wild snapdragon” or “butter and eggs,” presents another intriguing look-alike. This wildflower, native to Eurasia, features smaller, yellow snapdragon-like flowers. It belongs to the Linaria genus and is thus not the same genus as the traditional Snapdragon but its shared shape often leads to it being called a “snapdragon” as well.
Purple Toadflax: Miniature Dragon Blooms
Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea) is another species within the same genus as Yellow Toadflax but boasts tiny, miniature snapdragon-like flowers. They typically showcase shades of purple and pink. Being a clumping Southern European perennial, they’re quite easy to grow and may spread to neighboring gardens due to self-seeding, adding a touch of the dragon’s charm to your outdoor space.
Spurred Snapdragon: Tiny, Colorful Dragon Faces
Spurred Snapdragon ‘Fairy Bouquet’ is an annual variety showcasing countless tiny snapdragon-like flowers. These blooms appear in pink, yellow, red, purple, and violet shades with characteristic yellow patches in their throats and unique long, pointed spurs. These miniature dragon flowers bloom quickly from seeding and create a charming, colorful display.
Beyond the Snapdragon Shape
While the flowers mentioned above echo the snapdragon’s “dragon-mouth” shape, some plants simply evoke the mystique of dragons in their form or color.
Dragon’s Tail Philodendron: A Verdant Dragon
The Dragon’s Tail Philodendron (Rhaphidophora decursiva) doesn’t feature floral dragon faces but embodies a dragon’s tail through its unique, elongated, and sometimes segmented foliage. This tropical climbing plant is known for its robustness and visually striking leaves that suggest the winding tail of a mythical creature.
Red Dragon Flower: Succulent with Dragon Scales
The Red Dragon Flower is not a flower in the traditional sense but rather a succulent. Its stems are covered in soft, fleshy teeth, reminiscent of dragon scales, and it has 1-inch reddish flowers that add to its distinctive charm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions people have about dragon-like flowers and related species:
1. Why are snapdragons called snapdragons?
The name “snapdragon” is derived from the flower’s appearance, which resembles a dragon’s head. The hinged flower opens and closes when you gently press its sides, mimicking a dragon snapping its jaws.
2. What does a dragon flower symbolize?
In the language of flowers, snapdragons symbolize both deception and graciousness. Legends suggest carrying snapdragons can make a person seem fascinating and cordial.
3. Are snapdragons invasive?
No, snapdragons are not generally considered invasive. They are widely cultivated as ornamental plants and do not typically appear on invasive species lists.
4. How do you identify a snapdragon?
Snapdragons are identified by their two-lipped flowers that grow in elongated spikes. These flowers are typically 3 to 4.5cm long and have a characteristic opening that looks like a dragon’s mouth. Most wild snapdragons are pinkish purple with yellow-and-white areas where the two lips touch.
5. Is Angelonia a snapdragon?
No, Angelonia is not a snapdragon. It’s often called “summer snapdragon” due to its similar-looking flower spikes, but it is a separate species that is well adapted to hot weather.
6. What are other names for yellow toadflax?
Yellow toadflax is also known as butter and eggs or wild snapdragon, reflecting its appearance similar to the more famous snapdragon.
7. What is the significance of the green dragon flower?
The green dragon flower is often associated with positive energy, revitalization, and the fresh beginnings of spring, as its yellow-green hue evokes the freshness of nature’s awakening.
8. How long do snapdragons typically live?
Snapdragons are perennials that can live for about three years, although they are often grown as annuals because of their relatively short lifespan and the tendency for newer varieties to have more striking blooms and better disease resistance.
9. What are the pest-related benefits of growing snapdragons?
Snapdragons can attract pests away from your vegetables, acting as a trap crop. They also draw beneficial insects like ladybugs to your garden, which can help control pests.
10. Will snapdragons bloom all summer?
Snapdragons tend to bloom most prolifically during the cooler seasons. In hot weather, they may stop blooming. Keeping them in part shade and well-watered can help them make it through the summer and bloom again in fall.
11. What do dwarf snapdragons look like?
Dwarf snapdragons have small, irregular snapdragon-like flowers that are typically bluish to purplish white. They grow individually in the leaf axils and feature a flat upper hood and a bulging lower lip.
12. What other flowers are similar to snapdragons?
Aside from Angelonia and toadflax varieties, larkspur and delphinium can sometimes have a similar spikey appearance, although their individual flowers differ in shape. Spurred Snapdragon ‘Fairy Bouquet’ also has very small snapdragon-like flowers.
13. Do snapdragons repel deer?
Yes, snapdragons are known to be deer resistant.
14. What makes the Red Rose Dragon unique?
The Red Rose Dragon is a rare dragon with a primary typing of Beauty and can also learn Chaos moves. It is often used in the context of games.
15. Is a dragon a lucky symbol?
In Chinese culture, the dragon represents good luck, strength, health, and the male element Yang. Babies born in the year of the dragon are considered very lucky.