Shrubs to 10 dm. Leaves sessile; blade 3-veined from base, oblong-ovate to oblong-linear, (15–)30–60+ × (5–)10–20+ mm, <margins not notably revolute, usually ciliate>. Inflorescences usually corymbiform cymes, sometimes solitary flowers; <pedicel 5–15+ mm>. Flowers: sepals 5; petals white, 15–25 mm; styles 0–0.5 mm. Capsules 5-locular. 2n = 18 (Europe).

Flowering May–Oct. Disturbed sites, abandoned plantings; 10–50 m; introduced; Calif.; s Europe; n Africa.

Plants of Cistus psilosepalus have been mistakenly identified as C. monspeliensis.

Cistus psilosepalus is known from the north coast area in California.