Cistus salviifolius
Sage leaf rockrose
(c) Zeynel Cebeci, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Cistaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Cistus salviifolius (Sage leaf rockrose) is a non-native California shrub in the Cistaceae family, recognized by leaf shape, petioles, and long flower stalks diagnostic.
Sage leaf rockrose is a naturalized shrub found in southern California Coast, southern Southern California, and San Gabriel Mountains in disturbed places at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces white flowers with yellow bases, approximately 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters across with delicate petals. Growing to less than 1 meter tall with predominantly nonglandular hairs, it forms a compact, spreading shrub. Its leaves are wrinkled, ovate to elliptic, measuring 1 to 4 centimeters long with a short petiole 2 to 10 millimeters in length. The plant produces fruits with 5 distinct valves, contributing to its distinctive botanical character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; leaf shape, petioles, and long flower stalks diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed places
Elevation: < 1000 m
Outside California: native to southern Europe
Bloom period
Cistus salviifolius blooms Apr-May.
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 salviifolius native to California?
No. Cistus salviifolius is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Cistus salviifolius bloom?
Cistus salviifolius blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Cistus salviifolius belong to?
Cistus salviifolius is in the Cistaceae family, genus Cistus.
What habitat does Cistus salviifolius grow in?
Cistus salviifolius grows in Uncommon. Disturbed places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.