Common Gum Cistus

Cistus ladanifer

Native to:
Algeria, France, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

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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, yellow
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
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
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after fire; adult plants are killed by fire but regenerate from seed bank.

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