Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cistaceae

Genus:

Cistus

Species:

Cistus ladanifer

USDA Symbol:

CILA10

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

250 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Highly fire-adapted Mediterranean species; seeds exhibit smoke-stimulated germination and plants resprout vigorously after fire. Forms flammable resinous foliage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

poor, sandy, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to Mediterranean regions with rocky, nutrient-poor soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily with light; smoke or heat treatment can improve germination rates, mimicking post-fire conditions.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI