Chris Engels Greenhouse
1238 Woodmere St, Detroit, MI 48209
24hr: 313-841-0478
Local: 313-841-0478
1238 Woodmere St, Detroit, MI 48209
24hr: 313-841-0478
Local: 313-841-0478
Snapdragon
Origin & History
While snapdragons were common in the earliest gardens, their actual origin is not known. Some botanists believe they originally grew wild in Spain and Italy. The snapdragon's botanical name, antirrhinum, is derived from the Greek anti (like) and rhin (nose), in reference to the flower's snout-like shape.
Sentiment & Symbolism
In the British countryside, children too young or timid to capture frogs or other small creatures once made "pets" out of the snapdragon flower. A child would gently squeeze the sides of the flower to open and close the "dragon's" mouth, complete with a lashing tongue.
Concealing a snapdragon made a person appear gracious and fascinating. Snapdragons were also said to protect their beholders from deceit and curses.