Common Restharrow

Ononis spinosa subsp. procurrens

Native to:
Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Krym, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Ononis
Species:
Ononis spinosa subsp. procurrens
USDA Symbol:
ONRE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
dry, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Hard seed coat requires scarification; hot water treatment or mechanical scarification improves germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI