Ononis spinosa

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RestharrowPerennialFamily: Fabaceae

Height: 60cmSpread: 60cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Pink

White

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Front

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:

Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Commonly known as spiny restharrow, Ononis spinosa is a shrubby perennial native to the UK. It's usually found growing naturally as part of infertile, chalky or calcareous meadows.

Flowering in summer and early autumn, its blooms are pollinated by bees, so it's great for wildlife. It's ideal for growing alongside other meadow plant species that enjoy the same growing conditions, such as vetch, scabious, fescues, betony and knapweed.

For best results, grow Ononis spinosa in full sun in well-drained, neutral to acidic soil. The seeds can be sown in autumn or spring, but may require some form of scarification to break through the tough outer coat.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyesyesyesPlantyesyesyesyesyes**yesFlowersyesyesyes

Ononis ‘Spinosa’ and wildlife

Ononis ‘Spinosa’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Ononis ‘Spinosa’ poisonous?

Ononis ‘Spinosa’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People