Baja Bush Snapdragon
(Gambelia juncea)
Baja Bush Snapdragon (Gambelia juncea)
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© Madeleine Claire
CC BY 4.0
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© Madeleine Claire
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Madeleine Claire | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: madily | Publisher: iNaturalist |




















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gambelia juncea, commonly known as Baja Bush Snapdragon, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions of California and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) and a width of 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters). The plant has a rounded form with slender, arching branches and narrow, dark green leaves. From late spring to early summer, it produces tubular, bright red flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. The flowers are considered showy and add a splash of color to the garden landscape.
Baja Bush Snapdragon is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens, xeriscaping, and as an ornamental in Mediterranean-style landscapes. It is also used in habitat restoration projects where its native range is being rehabilitated. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it tolerates a range of soil types, it thrives in sandy or gravelly substrates. Once established, it has low water needs, making it an excellent plant for dry gardens. It is generally free of serious pests and diseases but can be affected by root rot if overwatered. Pruning is rarely needed but can be done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Baja Bush Snapdragon is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens, xeriscaping, and as an ornamental in Mediterranean-style landscapes. It is also used in habitat restoration projects where its native range is being rehabilitated. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it tolerates a range of soil types, it thrives in sandy or gravelly substrates. Once established, it has low water needs, making it an excellent plant for dry gardens. It is generally free of serious pests and diseases but can be affected by root rot if overwatered. Pruning is rarely needed but can be done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 4-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions of California and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Cedros Island Snapdragon, Gran Canon, Channel island Snapdragon
Scientific Names: , Gambelia juncea, Galvezia juncea var. juncea, Galvezia juncea var. foliosa, Galvezia juncea var. pubescens, Saccularia juncea, Saccularia veatchii, Antirrhinum junceum, Maurandya juncea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Gambelia juncea (Benth.) D.A.Sutton