Ononis repens L.
Common Restharrow
Common restharrow is a native perennial with a low, spreading, slightly woody base from which arise softly hairy, often sticky stems. Its trefoil leaves are small and toothed, and through the summer it carries pretty rose-pink pea-flowers in the leaf axils.
About
Common restharrow is a native perennial with a low, spreading, slightly woody base from which arise softly hairy, often sticky stems. Its trefoil leaves are small and toothed, and through the summer it carries pretty rose-pink pea-flowers in the leaf axils. The curious common name recalls a time when its tough, deep-running roots were strong enough to snag a harrow being dragged across the ground.
It is a plant of dry, open places, favouring well-drained calcareous grassland, banks, cliff tops, sea walls and stabilised sand dunes, always in plenty of sun. Flowering from early summer into autumn, its flowers are a good nectar source for bees and other insects, and it acts as a larval food plant for several moths. Drought-tolerant and happy on poor, free-draining soils, it suits dune, coastal and calcareous grassland seed mixes where a sprawling, long-flowering legume is wanted.
Also known as
Common restharrow · rest-harrow
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.