SafePlants

Hairy Rockrose (Cistus incanus)

Hairy Rockrose, known scientifically as Cistus incanus, is a captivating plant with a rich history and intriguing characteristics. Often referred to simply as rock rose or soft-hairy rock rose, this species belongs to the Cistaceae family and is appreciated for its showy flowers and resilience.

Considerations for Pets

• Some varieties of Cistus, such as Cistus creticus (Soft-Hairy Rock Rose), are low shrubs, reaching about a meter in height. Their branched, evergreen nature might make them attractive to pets, so consider this when planting in areas accessible to animals.
• Flower buds of certain species are described as hairy, which might be a texture of interest to pets.

Considerations for Children

• Cistus creticus (Soft-Hairy Rock Rose) is a low shrub, reaching about a meter in height. Children may find this plant interesting due to its size, branched nature and evergreen leaves, thus awareness is advised.
• Flower buds of certain species are described as hairy, which might be a texture of interest to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cistus incanus L.
• Common Names: Hairy Rockrose, Pink Rock Rose, Rock Rose, Soft-Hairy Rock Rose, Cleansing Herb. Other names include Gum Cistus, Grey Rockrose, European Rock Rose, or, Balm of Gilead.
• Family: Cistaceae
• Synonyms:
  • Cistus polymorphus
  • Cistus villosus
  • Cistus hirsutus
• Subspecies:
  • Cistus incanus L. subsp. incanus
  • Cistus incanus L. subsp. corsicus (Loisel.) Heywood

Distribution and Habitat

• Hairy Rockrose is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
• It thrives as a groundcover and low-growing shrub in these areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cistus creticus (Soft-Hairy Rock Rose) is described as a low, branched, evergreen shrub reaching approximately one meter in height.
• The leaves are opposite, ovate, and wrinkled.
• Flower buds are hairy and have a distinctive twisted appearance.
• Some species have shorter and much narrower bracts pointing upwards.

Ecology

• Cistus incanus is a hybrid between Cistus albidus and Cistus crispus.
• The Cistaceae family is noted for its ability to thrive.

Quirky Facts

• Despite its common name "rock rose," this plant is not actually related to roses.
• The flower buds have a distinctive twisted appearance before they bloom.

Further Resources

• Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.
• dict.cc German-English Dictionary: Offers translations for "hairy rockrose" and related terms.
• PONS Dictionary: Provides German-Greek and Greek-German translations.
• Getty Images and Alamy: Stock photo libraries featuring images of Cistus incanus.
• Wikimedia Commons: Contains media files, including images of Soft-Hairy Rockrose.