Family: Cistaceae
Author: (L.) Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 21 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Helianthemum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to Iran and Arabian Pen.
Description
The Willowleaf Frostweed, scientifically known as Helianthemum salicifolium, is a captivating plant admired for its delicate beauty and resilience. It falls under the Cistaceae family, known for comprising plants that thrive in challenging environments. First described in comprehensive botanical literature as early as 1768 by the esteemed botanist Miller, Willowleaf Frostweed has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.
Native to a fascinating range of regions, Helianthemum salicifolium can be found flourishing from the Canary Islands stretching across the Mediterranean to Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. This extensive distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and terrains, from coastal areas to more arid landscapes.
Willowleaf Frostweed is characterized by its slender, willow-like leaves which lend it both its common and scientific name. The foliage provides an elegant, understated backdrop to the plant’s true allure—its charming yellow flowers. These blossoms, reminiscent of tiny suns, provide a vibrant burst of color during their peak flowering period, attracting pollinators and contributing to the biodiversity of their habitats.
In addition to its visual appeal, Helianthemum salicifolium holds ecological significance. Like other members of its family, this frostweed plays a role in soil stabilization and offers a source of nectar for various insects. Its presence in gardens and natural settings can thus support local ecosystems in multiple ways, from aiding in the prevention of soil erosion to sustaining pollinator populations.
In summary, Willowleaf Frostweed is not only a plant of understated beauty but also one of considerable ecological importance. Its wide geographic range and adaptability make it a versatile subject for study and admiration, cementing its place in the rich tapestry of flora that graces our planet.
Common Names
Spa: hierba turmera
Deu: weidenblättriges sonnenröschen
Eng: willowleaf frostweed
En: Willowleaf frostweed
Ar: خشين (خُشين)، رعل (رَعَل)، رعله (رَعْله)
Fr: Hélianthème à feuilles de saule
De: Weidenblättriges Sonnenröschen
He: שמשון מצוי
It: Eliantemo annuale
Es: Hierba turmera, Jaguarzo castellano
Synonyms
- Helianthemum salicifolium var. vulgare (Willk.)
- Helianthemum salicifolium var. brachypetalum (Willk.)
- Helianthemum intermedium var. tribracteatum (Pau)
- Helianthemum salicifolium var. macrosepalum (Willk.)
- Helianthemum salicifolium var. robustum (Pau)
- Helianthemum intermedium subvar. micranthum (Dufour ex Nyman)
- Aphananthemum salicifolium ((L.) Fourr.)
- Helianthemum salicifolium subsp. trifoliatum ((Willk.) Pau)
- Helianthemum salicifolium var. vallisoletanum (Sennen & Pau)
- Cistus salicifolius var. fugacius ((Mill.) Steud.)
- Helianthemum ledifolium var. racemosum (Willk.)
- Cistus salicifolius (L.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Gulf States (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- Kuwait (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Oman (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 19, 2019 by Micaela Ceballos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Andreas Constantinou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Andreas Constantinou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2020 by Fred Ethève (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 17, 2021 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 30, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 17, 2019 by Ken Sedman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2019 by Cecilia queralt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jun 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874095)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:169142-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthemum salicifolium (L.) Mill.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]