Its three-nerved leaves are narrow, lanceolate to elliptical in shape, and slightly pointed at the apex.

[2] Cistus osbeckiifolius was formally named in 1887[1] (the epithet was originally spelt osbeckiaefolius).

tomentosus Bañares & Demoly, has been recognized (hence creating the nominate subspecies, C. osbeckiifolius subsp.

[1] A 2011 molecular phylogenetic study placed C. osbeckiifolius as a member of the purple and pink flowered clade (PPC) of Cistus species, along with other Canary Island endemics.

The species is considered at risk for several reasons: a limited area of distribution, restricted genetic diversity in all but one subpopulation, grazing by rabbits, the effects of fire, and human disturbance.