Ononis spinosa
spiny restharrow
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
Overview
Ononis spinosa is a low, woody-based perennial or subshrub in the pea family, growing 20-60 cm (8-24 in) tall with stiff, branching stems that bear sharp spines. The small leaves are trifoliate at the base and often single toward the tips, with toothed, oval leaflets and sticky, slightly hairy surfaces. From early summer it carries pink to purplish pea-flowers 6-20 mm (0.24-0.8 in) long, borne singly or in pairs in the upper leaf axils. The flowers give way to short, hairy pods holding one or two seeds. It grows on dry, calcareous grassland, rough pasture, dunes, and roadside banks, anchored by a deep, tough root that gave rise to the name restharrow. The species tolerates drought, grazing, and poor, stony soils but spreads slowly and its spines limit handling. Its dense, spiny, low mound carries scattered pink flowers over a long summer.
Native Range
Ononis spinosa is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, growing on calcareous soils across much of its range. It is a plant of dry grassland, pasture, and coastal dunes. It has naturalised locally in North America.Suggested Uses
Ononis spinosa is grown in dry, sunny wildflower meadows, gravel gardens, and naturalistic plantings on calcareous soil, where its summer flowers support bees. Its spines and deep root suit rough banks and informal boundaries rather than tidy borders. It is used in chalk-grassland restoration.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight