Helianthemum canum, commonly called Hoary rockrose, is a low growing plant confined to rocky dry calcareous areas especially close to the sea. The plant typically has a central stock from which numerous branches radiate horizontally or ascending. The small leaves (about 10mm long) are simple and green above but densely hairy and grey below. The bright yellow flowers have 5 petals and 5 sepals in cymes generally with 1 to 6 flowers in each cyme.