Native to rocky areas of Europe, the US and North Africa, the snapdragons memorable name stems from its alleged resemblance to the head of a dragon, especially when the open 'mouth' is squeezed closed. Antirrhinum is a genus of plants commonly known as dragon flowers, snapdragons, and dog flower. Snapdragons are short-lived perennial plants that survive well in cold seasons but are often replanted each spring and considered annual plants. They do best in full or partial sun, in well-drained soil since their roots are susceptible to rotting (although they do require regular watering)