Cistus monspeliensis

A shrub of the Cistaceae family, the Montpellier cistus is widely spread throughout the Mediterranean basin, from the Iberian Peninsula to Greece and North Africa, with a notable presence in southern France, Corsica, and Sardinia. It colonizes dry scrublands, open maquis, rocky slopes, and clear pine forests, on various substrates, siliceous or calcareous, from sea level up to about 800 meters. It is particularly abundant on poor, acidic, and well-drained soils, in full sun exposure.

It is an upright and branched shrub, reaching 50 to 100 centimeters in height. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate to linear, dark green and very sticky on their upper surface, with three well-marked veins, rolled on the edges in dry weather. This pronounced stickiness is one of the most immediately noticeable characteristics of the species: at the slightest touch, the branches and leaves stick to the fingers and release an intense and characteristic resinous fragrance.

The flowers are pure white, with five crumpled petals without a basal spot, centered with a dense cluster of yellow stamens. Small and delicate, they are produced in large quantities along the branches.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from March to June depending on altitude and exposure. In cultivation, it often begins as early as February-March in mild regions.

In cultivation, it requires a perfectly drained, dry, poor soil, in full sun. Its hardiness is limited, with severe and prolonged frosts being unfavorable beyond -8 to -10°C.