About Helianthemum canum subsp. canum
Helianthemum canum subsp. canum typically grows from a central stock, with numerous branches radiating either horizontally or ascending. It has no stipules. Its small leaves are around 10mm long, simple, and green on the upper surface; the lower leaf surface is densely hairy and grey, a feature that distinguishes this subspecies in regions where Helianthemum nummularium also grows. Its yellow flowers have 5 petals that are free at the base, 5 sepals, and are arranged in cymes, with 1 to 6 flowers per cyme. This taxon is restricted to dry limestone rocky habitats. In Britain, it always grows close to the sea, while on mainland Europe it is limited to calcareous upland ranges such as the Alps. It occurs across multiple areas of Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden, as well as parts of north Africa and eastern Mediterranean countries. In the British Isles, it has a very restricted distribution, limited to sections of the South Wales coastline and a small number of locations on Anglesey and the Great Orme.
