Hoary rock-rose (Helianthemum oelandicum, Bot. Cult. 3: 129 (1802))

Family: Cistaceae

Author: (L.) Dum.Cours.

Bibliography: Bot. Cult. 3: 129 (1802)

Year: 1802

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Helianthemum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

The Hoary rock-rose, scientifically known as Helianthemum oelandicum, is a fascinating and delicate perennial plant belonging to the family Cistaceae. This attractive species was first recorded in botanical literature in 1802, as noted in Bot. Cult. 3: 129, by (L.) Dum.Cours.

Characterized by its small, grayish-green leaves covered in a soft, white fuzz, the Hoary rock-rose prefers the dry, calcareous soils and rocky habitats found from Europe stretching to the Caucasus. It typically thrives in sunny, open locations like limestone outcrops, dunes, and dry grasslands, where it can display its resilience and adaptability.

During its flowering period, the Hoary rock-rose produces delightful blooms in shades of yellow. These bright flowers, often appearing in clusters, offer a striking contrast against the plant’s hoary foliage. Each flower features five petals, which unfold gracefully to attract pollinators, further aiding the plant’s reproduction.

The Hoary rock-rose plays a significant ecological role in its preferred habitats. Its presence supports a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Gardeners and botanists alike appreciate Helianthemum oelandicum not only for its beauty but also for its hardiness and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in rockeries, dry borders, and as ground cover in difficult, drought-prone areas where other plants might struggle to survive.

In summary, the Hoary rock-rose is a charming and resilient member of the Cistaceae family, valued for its aesthetic appeal and ecological contributions across its native range from Europe to the Caucasus.

Common Names

Swe: ölandssolvända
En: Hoary Rock-rose
Ca: Herba passarella
Cs: Devaterník šedý
Fi: Öölanninpäivännouto
It: Eliantemo rupino
No: Ölandssolrose
Sv: Ölandssolvända
Cy: Cor-rosyn lledlwyd

Synonyms

• Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. boreale ((Benth.) Font Quer & Rothm.)
• Helianthemum montanum var. oelandicum ((L.) Vis.)
• Rhodax chamaecistus var. virescens (Spach)
• Helianthemum oelandicum var. glabrum (Gaudin)
• Helianthemum montanum var. boreale (Benth. ex Willk.)
• Helianthemum italicum subsp. oelandicum ((L.) Nyman)
• Helianthemum italicum var. oelandicum ((L.) Bolzon)
• Cistus oelandicus (L.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken May 27, 2021 by Aurélia et JChris Courte-Barbary (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Aurélia et JChris Courte-Barbary (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Benito Soto Fernando (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2019 by teresanappa (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 23, 2019 by Bajona Enrico (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Vlad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Aurélia et JChris Courte-Barbary (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60461866-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7331276)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helianthemum oelandicum (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth