This species is classified as Least Concern as it is a locally common species and the existing threats are unlikely to cause the species’ populations to severely decline in the near future.

This plant is endemic to the north of Portugal and Galicia in Spain (Euro+Med Plantbase 2006-2010). Its extent of occurrence in Portugal and Spain is 3,904 km² (Commission of the European Communities 2009).

Santolina semidentata is a relatively common species and is present in 36 localities in Spain and has been counted to have 10,000 individuals in Portugal (Commission of the European Communities 2009, ICNB 2006).

This plant is a woody chamaephyte that grows up to 60 cm and can be found in the following Habitats Directive listed habitats (Commission of the European Communities 2009):

• 4090 Endemic oro-Mediterranean heaths with gorse
• 6170 Alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands
• 6210 Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates (Festuco-Brometalia)
• 8210 Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation
• 8230 Siliceous rock with pioneer vegetation of the Sedo-Scleranthion or of the Sedo albi-Veronicion dillenii

The main threat is posed by an alteration of the chemical composition of the soil due to abandonment of traditional or the adoption of inadequate agricultural practices (ICNB 2006).

This species is listed on Annex II of the Habitats Directive. There are no other measures in place or needed.