Spiny rest harrow
Ononis campestris

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A spiny, hairy shrub which forms patches. It grows 80 cm high. The leaves have 3 leaflets which are oval and toothed. The flowers are pink or purple. They are 10-20 mm across. They are in loose clusters. The pod is 6-10 mm long and has 2-4 seeds.

Where it is found

It grows in dry bushy and rocky places. It is sometimes on sandy seashores.

Countries/locations it is found in

Britain, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean Spain, Turkey

How it is used for food

The young tender shoots are eaten raw in salads. They are also used as a potherb or pickled and used as a sauce with meat. They are added to herbal cheese. The roots are chewed for their licorice like flavour.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ononis spinosa;