Cistus sp.
Rock-rose, Rock-Rose
Family: Cistaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Cistus sp. (Rock-rose) is a non-native California shrub in the Cistaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Cistus sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Cistus sp. belong to?
Cistus sp. is in the Cistaceae family, genus Cistus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Cistus incanus — Hairy rockrose
- Cistus ladanifer — Gum cistus
- Cistus monspeliensis — Montpelier cistus
- Cistus psilosepalus — Rock rose
- Cistus salviifolius — Sage leaf rockrose
- Crocanthemum aldersonii — Alderson's rush-rose
- Crocanthemum greenei — Island rush-rose
- Crocanthemum scoparium — Peak rush-rose
- Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.