Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Also in this family:
Buck's-horn Plantain, Common Marestail, Cornish Moneywort, Crested Field Speedwell, Fairy Foxglove, Greater Plantain, Green Field Speedwell, Grey Field Speedwell, Hedge Veronica, Hoary Plantain, Italian Toadflax, Koromiko, Marsh Speedwell, Mountain Speedwell, Ribwort Plantain, Sea Plantain, Shoreweed, Slender Speedwell, Straw Foxglove
Maximum Size:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Farmland, gardens, wasteland.
Weasel’s Snout bears distinctive pink to purplish-pink flowers that resemble miniature snapdragons, a resemblance that reflects its former inclusion in the Antirrhinum genus. Each flower measures around 10–15 mm long and has a tubular shape with a two-lipped structure—the upper lip hooded and the lower divided into three lobes. Blooming from June to October, the flowers are often spotted in arable fields, field margins, and disturbed ground, especially on light, sandy soils.
Fruit:
The fruit of Weasel’s Snout is a narrow, cylindrical capsule with a pointed tip that gives the plant its unusual name—the fruit’s shape is said to resemble the snout of a weasel. As it ripens, the capsule dries and splits open to release numerous tiny seeds. These are dispersed locally by wind or soil disturbance, allowing the plant to persist in cultivated or open, weedy areas.
Leaves:
The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and finely toothed, typically arranged alternately along the stem. They are soft to the touch and often lightly hairy, especially on the undersides and along the veins. The foliage is green to grey-green and helps camouflage the plant among crops and rough ground, where its scrambling, branching stems can sometimes go unnoticed.
Fragrance:
Weasel’s Snout has little to no noticeable fragrance. Its flowers do not rely on scent to attract pollinators, instead drawing in bees and other insects through their bright colour and distinctive shape. Despite their snapdragon-like form, the blooms are smaller and less showy than cultivated relatives, and their scentless nature adds to their subtle presence in the wild.
Other Names:
Calf's Snout, Golden Devil, Golden Forget-me-not, Lesser Snapdragon, Linearleaf Snapdragon, Tropical Forget-me-not.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Misopates orontium, commonly known as the "tropical forget-me-not," is a small annual or perennial plant in the family Boraginaceae. It is native to Central and South America and is often grown as an ornamental plant for its small blue or white flowers. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is also known as the "golden devil" or "golden forget-me-not" due to the golden-yellow color of its foliage.
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Weasel's Snout, also known as Misopates orontium, is a beautiful and unique flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. Its unusual name is due to the shape of its petals, which resemble the snout of a weasel. The plant has delicate, purple-pink flowers that bloom from May to June, making it a great addition to any garden or flower bed.
Misopates orontium is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils, as long as it is well-draining. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in full sun or partial shade. The plant is low-maintenance and requires very little care, making it a great option for busy gardeners or those who want to add some color to their landscape without too much effort.
One of the unique features of Weasel's Snout is that it is a self-seeding annual. This means that it will produce seeds at the end of its growing season, which will then grow into new plants the following year. This means that once you have established the plant in your garden, it will come back year after year without the need for replanting.
In addition to its beauty and low maintenance, Misopates orontium also has some other interesting uses. The plant is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, where it is used to add flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes. Its delicate flavor is often described as a cross between mint and anise, and it adds a unique taste to any dish.
Weasel's Snout, or Misopates orontium, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow flowering plant that adds color and interest to any garden. Its delicate flowers, low-maintenance requirements, and unique flavor make it a great addition to any landscape or kitchen. If you're looking for a plant that is both beautiful and functional, Weasel's Snout is definitely worth considering!
In terms of propagation, Misopates orontium can be grown from seed, which can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors. If starting indoors, sow the seeds in pots or trays and keep them in a warm place until they have germinated, which usually takes about two weeks. Once the seedlings have grown several leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden. When planting in the garden, be sure to space the plants about 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
To keep your Weasel's Snout looking its best, it is important to deadhead the spent blooms regularly. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and keep it looking fresh and tidy. The plant is also a great option for butterfly gardens, as its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
In addition to its ornamental value, Misopates orontium has some medicinal properties. The plant is known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including rashes and wounds. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the body and mind, making it a great option for use in aromatherapy.
Overall, Weasel's Snout, or Misopates orontium, is a versatile and beautiful plant that is perfect for any garden or landscape. Whether you're looking to add some color to your yard, attract pollinators, or add flavor to your kitchen, this plant is definitely worth considering.
Another great aspect of Misopates orontium is that it is easy to incorporate into your garden design. The plant is small and compact, reaching only about 10-12 inches in height, making it a great option for rock gardens, border gardens, or as an edging plant along a path or walkway. The plant is also well-suited for containers and can be used to add some color to patios, balconies, or entryways.
Weasel's Snout is also a great plant for cut flower arrangements. Its delicate purple-pink flowers have a long vase life, making them a great option for adding some color to your home. To extend the life of your cut flowers, be sure to cut them in the early morning, when the blooms are fully open, and place them in a vase filled with fresh water.
In terms of pests and diseases, Misopates orontium is relatively hardy and resistant to most common garden pests and diseases. However, it is important to keep an eye out for aphids, which can sometimes attack the plant. To control aphids, simply rinse them off the plant with a strong jet of water or treat with an insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, Weasel's Snout, or Misopates orontium, is a versatile and beautiful plant that is perfect for any garden or landscape. With its low-maintenance requirements, delicate flowers, and unique flavor, it is a great option for busy gardeners or those who are looking to add some color and interest to their yard.
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