Rest Harrow, Common restharrow
Ononis repens

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Ononis repens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry grassland on calcareous soils.

Western Europe in Britain, France and Belgium.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw or cooked. A liquorice substitute. Soaked in cold water it makes a refreshing cold drink. The young shoots were at one time much used as a vegetable, being boiled, pickled or eaten in salads.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The whole herb has been used in the treatment of bladder stones and to subdue delirium.

Lithontripic: Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil. Succeeds on the tops of walls and on dry banks. Similar to O. spinosa, but this species is rhizomatous. It can spread rapidly when well sited and has become an obnoxious weed in some areas. Mature roots are very tough and the plant gained its common name of 'Rest Harrow' because ploughs and harrows would be unable to break through it (in the days before heavy machinery was used on the land!). The whole plant emits a delicious resinous odour when bruised. A food plant for the common blue butterfly. Dislikes root disturbance. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagating it: Scarify or pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow the seed in the middle of spring in situ. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in the autumn. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Division just before new growth begins in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings, September in a cold frame.

Best place to grow: Meadow;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. arvensis. Auct.