The name
Cistus creticus was first used by
Carl Linnaeus in 1762. Confusion exists between this name and one published earlier by Linnaeus,
Cistus incanus. As used by many authors, but not Linnaeus, the name "
C. incanus" is taken to refer to
Cistus creticus, particularly
C. creticus subsp.
eriocephalus.
Subspecies Two subspecies are accepted. •
Cistus creticus subsp.
creticus – central and eastern Mediterranean Basin •
Cistus creticus subsp.
trabutii – Morocco There are also several well-known
cultivars, such as 'Lasithi' with compact, rounded flowers. ==Phylogeny==