Shrubs to 10 dm. Leaves sessile; blade 3-veined from base, mostly lanceolate-linear to linear, 15–45(–70) × 1–7(–13) mm, <margins usually revolute, not notably ciliate>. Inflorescences usually scorpioid cymes, <3–10-flowered>, sometimes solitary flowers; <pedicel 5–15 mm>. Flowers: sepals 5; petals white, 10–20 mm; styles 0–0.5 mm. Capsules 5-locular. 2n = 18 (Europe).

Flowering May–Oct. Disturbed sites, abandoned plantings; 10–100 m; introduced; Calif.; s Europe; n Africa.

Cistus monspeliensis is known from the north and central coast areas in California.