Shrubs to 25 dm, <stems usually viscid>. Leaves sessile; blade 3-veined from base, elliptic, lanceolate-elliptic, lanceolate-linear, or oblong, 40–80(–120) × 6–25 mm. Inflorescences solitary flowers. Flowers: sepals 3, <orbiculate>; petals white, sometimes with red or yellow spot near bases, 30–50 mm; styles 0–0.5 mm. Capsules 6–12-locular. 2n = 18 (Europe).

Flowering Feb–Aug. Disturbed sites, chaparral, roadsides, trails, abandoned plantings; 20–1600 m; introduced; Calif.; Europe.

Cistus ladanifer is known from the southern Central Coast Ranges, southern South Coast Ranges, Western Transverse Ranges, and the San Gabriel Mountains.