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Lesser Snapdragon
Antirrhinum orontium · Fabaceae
How it looks
Lesser Snapdragon is a small herb whose small, lip-shaped flowers bloom sparsely along the branches. The flowers are much smaller than those of common snapdragon, and pink or purple are common. The leaves are narrow and fine. It grows 6-16 in (15-40 cm) tall.
This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
This species grows very small flowers and leaves, and its five sepals are much longer than the petals, giving each flower head a distinctive spiky look — like a tuft of green fuzzy bristles. Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Antirrhinum orontium
- Common name
- Lesser Snapdragon
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Fabaceae
Other safe flowers
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