Common restharrow Ononis repens
Table of Contents
Common restharrow is a perennial wildflower belonging to the Fabaceae family, which includes legumes, such as peas and beans. A native of the UK this plant has adapted to a variety of environments, thriving in grasslands, roadsides and sand dunes, preferring free draining soils.
Plant family: Fabaceae
Aliases: Creeping restharrow, ground furze
Flowering period: June – September
Flower colour: Pink
Preferred soil type: Free draining, calcareous
Habitat: Grassland, sand dunes, heathland
Status: Common
General information
Common Restharrow Ononis repens is a perennial plant belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). It is commonly found in the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. This plant is characterized by its creeping stems, small pink to purplish flowers, and trifoliate leaves (a leaf with three smaller leaflets).
Common Restharrow typically grows in free draining sandy soils, such as those found in heaths, grasslands and is very common on coastal sites, especially those exposed to the sun. This wildflower takes its name from its tough, stubborn roots that used to hamper or “arrest” agricultural harrows when working the land.
As with all legumes, restharrow is able to fix nitrogen (convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the plant can use). It’s a relatively low-growing, sprawling herb, typically growing between 15 – 50cm in height.
Identification
Flower: The flowers resemble those of the pea family, having a typical pea-like shape. They are typically pink in colour, small and usually around 10 to 20 millimetres in length. The flowering period is from June to September.
Leaves: The leaves are trifoliate with a rough and hairy texture. (see above picture).
Value for wildlife
Common restharrow is very attractive to various pollinators, which come to feed on the rich source of nectar These include different species of bees (the structure of the flower is well-suited for bee pollination), butterflies, hoverflies and moths.
Uses for common restharrow
This attractive wildflower has historically had some key medicinal uses including, diuretic properties, kidney and bladder treatment, anti-inflammatory properties and to treat skin conditions.
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