Syn.: Cistus apenninus L., Helianthemum pulverulentum auct., Helianthemum masguindalii Pau, Helianthemum polifolium Mill., Helianthemum farinulentum Lacaita
Family: Cistaceae Juss.

Helianthemum apenninum

Distribution: Western and southern Europe, northward to southern England, Belgium, western Germany, eastward to Albania and Greece.

Ecology: It grows on rocky and stony slopes, in old quarries. It blooms from April to June.

Helianthemum apenninum

Description: Dwarf shrubs up to 50 cm tall, branched from the base. Stem ascending to erect; leaves opposite, shortly petiolate, linear to linear-oblong, 8–30 × 2–8 mm, green to grey- or white-tomentose above, densely stellate-hairy to white-tomentose beneath, with revolute margins. Cymes 3–10-flowered; sepals 5, the 3 inner ovate, the 2 outer smaller, 7–10 mm long, pubescent; petals white, with a yellow claw. The fruit is a capsule.

Threat and protection: The White Rockrose is protected by law in Germany.

Helianthemum apenninum
Helianthemum apenninum
Helianthemum apenninumHelianthemum apenninum
Helianthemum apenninum

These images were taken in Italy, Gargano, San Marco in Lamis (April 18, 2008).