Family: Cistaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 524 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cistus
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & C. Medit.
Description
The White-leaf rock-rose, scientifically known as Cistus albidus, is a striking evergreen shrub cherished for its resilience and ornamental appeal. Described extensively in the esteemed publication “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has captured the attention of botanists and garden enthusiasts alike.
Belonging to the Cistaceae family, the White-leaf rock-rose is indigenous to the western and central Mediterranean regions. The plant thrives in the Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This hardy shrub is well-adapted to the rocky and sandy soils of its native habitat, and it can often be found in arid, sun-drenched locations where other plants may struggle to survive.
The Cistus albidus is noted for its distinctive appearance. The shrub can reach a height of about 1 to 1.5 meters, featuring densely hairy, grey-green leaves that give the plant a whitish appearance, hence its common name. The foliage is one of its most remarkable attributes, adding an interesting texture and color to garden landscapes. During its blooming season, typically from late spring to early summer, the shrub is adorned with delicate, papery flowers. These blossoms are usually pink to purple and have a crinkled texture, resembling crepe paper. Each flower, though short-lived, is quickly replaced by new blooms, ensuring a prolonged display of color.
Highly valued in ornamental horticulture, the White-leaf rock-rose is often utilized in landscaping for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees. It is ideally suited for inclusion in rock gardens, coastal gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes.
Apart from its aesthetic and ecological contributions, the Cistus albidus has been reported to contain compounds with medicinal properties. It is sometimes employed in traditional herbal medicine, although further scientific research is warranted to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.
In summary, the White-leaf rock-rose, or Cistus albidus, is a plant of notable beauty and adaptability. Its unique foliage, vibrant flowers, and hardiness make it a treasured addition to various garden settings, while its legacy and historical documentation underscore its significance in the botanical world.
Common Names
Fra: ciste blanchâtre, ciste cotonneux
Eng: grey-leaf cistus, white-leaf rock-rose, grey-leaved cistus
Swe: sammetscistros
Deu: weißliche zistrose
En: White-leaf rock-rose, Grey-leaf cistus, Grey-leaf citrus, Grey-leaved Cistus, Rock-rose, White Dart
Ar: قريضة مبيضة
Az: Ağımtıl buxurkolu
Eu: Estrepa zuri
Ca: Estepa Blanca
Da: Hvid Soløjetræ
Nl: Witbladige Cistus
Fi: Ruusukistus
Fr: Ciste blanchâtre, Ciste cotonneux, Ciste blanc, Ciste blanchissant, Ciste mâle à feuilles blanches
De: Weißliche Zistrose, Weiβliche Zisterose, Weißblättrige Cistrose
It: Cisto a fogle sessili
Oc: Moja blanca
Es: Jara, Estepa blanca, Estepilla, Jaguarzo blanco, Jara blanca
Sv: Sammetscistros, Sammetscisros
Synonyms
- Cistus albidus var. longifolius (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus var. microcarpus (Pau)
- Cistus albidus var. albus (Warb.)
- Cistus albidus var. parvifolius (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus f. albus ((Warb.) Dans.)
- Cistus vulgaris var. albidus ((L.) Steud.)
- Cistus albidus var. angustifolius (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus var. attenuatifolius (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus var. grandifolius (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus var. latifolius (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus var. stenophyllus (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus f. platyphyllus (Sennen)
- Cistus albeerensis var. barcinonensis (Sennen)
- Cistus albidus f. typicus (Dans.)
- Cistus albidus var. anthyllidetorum (O.Bolòs & Vigo)
- Cistus vulgaris var. sessilifolius (Spach)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 18, 2018 by Marius Nowakowski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Nacim Ammenouche (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2005 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2017 by louis besson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2019 by Hans DeKorte (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Jose Diego (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Jean-François Baudin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2017 by claude torre (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2019 by pepito (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2021 by nathalie pauchant (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2020 by olivier Latyk (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean Michel FOULETIER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2021 by Laura GUILLAIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2022 by tophe 13 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2021 by Elisa Castel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2019 by Anabela Anabela Camelo (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Manuel Hernández (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Antoine 🌱 AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 24, 2021 by Christian Baucour (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7331435)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:168163-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cistus albidus L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.0
Ph minimum: 4.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 4