Cistus ladanifer
Gum cistus, Gum Cistus
(c) Borja Fierro, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Borja Fierro · licence
Family: Cistaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Cistus ladanifer (Gum cistus) is a non-native California shrub in the Cistaceae family, recognized by height, sticky stems, and single flowers diagnostic.
Gum cistus is a naturalized shrub found in southern California Coast Ranges, southern Southern California, western Transverse Ranges, and San Gabriel Mountains in disturbed places at elevations below 800 meters. Flowering from March to August, this plant produces large white flowers 3 to 5 centimeters wide, often with striking red or yellow markings near the flower base. Growing up to 2.5 meters tall with shiny, sticky stems, the shrub develops an open, spreading form. Its leaves are sessile, lance-linear to narrow-oblong, measuring 3 to 8 centimeters long with three prominent veins extending from the base. The fruit develops with 6 to 12 distinct valve segments, adding structural interest to this distinctive non-native Mediterranean species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; height, sticky stems, and single flowers diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed places
Elevation: < 800 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Marin
Outside California: native to southwestern Europe
Bloom period
Cistus ladanifer blooms Mar-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Rosa: Cistus petals have no notch and leaves lack stipules; Rosa petals are notched and have leafy stipules at leaf base.; vs Carpenteria: Cistus has 5-12 capsule segments when fruit opens; Carpenteria has 5-7 segments and pointed evergreen leaves.; vs Romneya: Cistus is a shrub with small opposite leaves; Romneya has large divided gray-green leaves and huge white flowers.; vs Salvia: Cistus has 5 separate rounded petals; Salvia has fused tubular flowers with upper and lower lips.; vs Oenothera: Cistus has opposite leaves and 5-12 capsule segments; Oenothera has alternate leaves and 4-celled capsules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cistus ladanifer native to California?
No. Cistus ladanifer is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Cistus ladanifer bloom?
Cistus ladanifer blooms Mar-Aug.
Where in California does Cistus ladanifer grow?
Cistus ladanifer occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Marin, at elevations of < 800 m.
What plant family does Cistus ladanifer belong to?
Cistus ladanifer is in the Cistaceae family, genus Cistus.
What habitat does Cistus ladanifer grow in?
Cistus ladanifer grows in Uncommon. Disturbed places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.