Snapdragon ~ Gracious Lady Botanical Name: Antirrhinum In the earliest gardens, snapdragons were found wild in Spain & Italy and in great abundance in English Gardens. In ancient times, they were known asthe flower that wards us of real dangers because of their sword-like shape. It is believed that they were named by women and were often referred to as“obedience plants.” Unlike their namesake the dragon, they are tame and can be played with and will obey.