Cistus ladanifer

[rbarata]

Hello, my friends

Today I went for a walk with my son and daughter, around the countryside. There were lots of wild flowers and there's one I particularly like: Cistus ladanifer.
We call it "Esteva" (singular) or "Estevas" (plural).
I always liked it because of its scent, that brings to my mind memories of times in my youth.
Also because it always reminds me of summer, when the scent is more active.

These plants are shrubs that grow taller than a tall person, and the whole plant is covered by a kind of a resin that it segregates. One thing one should never try is to try to cross a field of these plants.

In my country it grows everywhere, especially in the center and south. It covers the landscapes with white flowers and the air with its scent.

From wikipedia.

I wonder, where in the US, it grows in the wild?

[fishmom]

We call that a rockrose. It does grow in California, although I'm not sure about in the wild. It is planted in drought-resistant gardens, though.

[jkofferdahl]

Anywhere it grows in the US, it is cultivated. The plant is native to the western Mediterranean area.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Anywhere it grows in the US, it is cultivated. The plant is native to the western Mediterranean area.

I see what you mean, John, but I wonder it there are areas where it adapted so well that it started to grow in the wild.

[Dollythehun]

Very pretty, rbarata. Do your children appreciate nature as much as you?

[rbarata]

Well, they are not exactly children, the boy is almost 18 and my daughter is almost 21. They are what is called "city teens" with all the implications it may have, but they enjoy a week in the wild, hiking, swiming in cold water streams, etc.
Afterall, teens also have their problems that stresses them and mine seem to understand the benefits of living in the wild for a few days... But not for long 'cause the city is waiting for them.

[estación seca]

Cistus are widely planted in the Mediterranean climate region of California. They are also considered potentially invasive

[rbarata]

Do you mean planted in gardens for decorative purposes?

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by rbarata

Do you mean planted in gardens for decorative purposes?

Yes. They're commonly used for low-water or no-water landscapes, especially near the sea. They're considered good for binding soil on slopes.

[rbarata]

So most of my country is a garden.
I see. So, they don't grow wild, or least it's not common to see them growing wild.