Family: Cistaceae Genus: Cistus  

Species: Cistus lasianthus Lam.

Common Name(s): hairy rockrose, grey-leaved cistus; (Spanish) carpaza; (Galician) arzal

.

Cistus lasianthus, commonly known as hairy rockrose, is native to the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco and found throughout the southwest of France, northwest of Morocco, and the western half of the Iberian Peninsula. In spring and early summer, the plant produces showy, saucer-shaped flowers that vary in color from white to pink or purple. The flowers have five petals and a prominent cluster of yellow stamens at the center.

Etymology

The genus name Cistus is derived from the Greek word “kistos,” which refers to a plant of the rockrose genus. The term has been used since ancient times to describe various species of shrubs in the Cistaceae family, particularly those with resinous or sticky foliage.

The species epithet lasianthus consists of the two Greek words “lasios” meaning hairy and “anthos” meaning flower.143

Combining these elements, the name Cistus lasianthus suggests a species of rockrose with hairy or woolly flowers, likely referring to the fuzzy texture often seen on the plant’s flower buds or sepals.

Horticulture, Ornamental, and Other Colorful Uses

Hairy rockrose is used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used for erosion control and to attract bees and other pollinators.