Common restharrow
Ononis repens

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small shrub that loses its leaves. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 50-80 cm wide. It can be upright or spreading and can form roots along the stem. It can have soft spines. The leaves are oval and can be simple or have 3 finger like lobes. The leaves are 2 cm long. The leaflets are hairy and have teeth along the edge. The flowers are in open leafy racemes. The flowers are pea like and and pink or purple. They are 2 cm long.

There are about 75 Ononis species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Britain it grows by the shore and on dry limestone areas. It suits sandy and alkaline soils. It needs to be in a sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Belgium, Britain, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The roots are eaten raw or cooked. They are used as a liquorice substitute to make a drink. The young shoots have been used as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Roots, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They should be soaked before planting. They can also be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Possibly now Ononis spinosa