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Native Plant Society of Texas

Snapdragon Vine

Maurandella antirrhiniflora

Other common name(s):

Roving Sailor, Climbing Snapdragon, Little Snapdragon Vine

Family:

Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Coastal Sand Plain, Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Vine

Height

3
to
5
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Limestone, Well Drained, Saline

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Amazingly tough little plant given it’s delicate leaves and stems. It can withstand dry, sunny conditions, but will do best with some shade for part of the day. Very little maintenance needed. Showy, but small flowers. This is a good vine for a small trellis, patio container or a hanging basket. It can be grown as a flowering ground cover, each plant covering approximately 9 square feet (3’x3′). In nature it often climbs on other plants. Grows in a wide variety of well drained soils. Root rot can occur when the soil remains wet. Powdery mildew and rust can occur when too much moisture is present. Fairly cold tolerant in central Texas. Needs more protection from freeze north of Austin. Dies back to the ground in winter, but reappears again in spring. Propagation: seed, stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms February-December, depending on growing conditions. A twining, delicate vine with triangular, lobed leaves. Small purple to violet flowers resemble miniature snapdragon blossoms. The fruit is a small, round, capsule that splits open to release many tiny seeds. Larval host: Buckeye Butterfly.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Antirrhinum maurandioides, Asarina antirrhiniflora, Maurandya antirrhiniflora

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow them indoors in a seed tray filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide them with bright, indirect light. Once seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, they can be gently transplanted into individual pots. Harvest seeds from mature seed pods after the flowers fade. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-maurandella-antirrhiniflora/?print=pdf
Stem Cutting The best time to propagate Maurandella antirrhiniflora is in the early spring or late summer, when the plant is actively growing. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two and dip the cut end in rooting hormone for an extra boost. Plant the cuttings in a good quality potting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist. Cover the pot with a plastic dome or humidity dome to help retain moisture and encourage root development. With consistent care, you’ll see new roots emerge within a few weeks. Provide your cuttings with bright, indirect light. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be consistently moist, but not soggy. Snip a healthy stem section from your existing Maurandella antirrhiniflora plant. Choose non-flowering stems, ideally about 4-6 inches long. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-maurandella-antirrhiniflora/?print=pdf

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason