About Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill.
Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill., commonly known as common rock-rose, is an evergreen trailing plant that produces loose terminal clusters of bright yellow, saucer-shaped flowers. At the center of each flower sits a tight cluster of orange stamens; these stamens are touch-sensitive, and will spread outwards to expose the tall stigma located in the middle of the flower. Wild individuals of this species always have yellow flowers, but cultivated garden varieties come in a range of colors from white through yellow to deep red. While individual blooms of this plant are short-lived, it produces an abundance of flowers continuously throughout the summer months, with a full flowering season running from May to July. This species is most commonly found growing on chalk downs, and occurs occasionally in other grassland habitats. It always grows on dry, base-rich soil, and requires a dry, sunny growing location such as a south-facing rockery or meadow. As the genus name Helianthemum indicates, this plant is commonly referred to as sun-flower. Helianthemum nummularium is a good source of pollen for bees. Several species of small beetle feed on its foliage, and it also acts as a food plant for the larvae of multiple moth and butterfly species, including the silver-studded blue (Plebejus argus).
