Common Name:

General Information

Ononis hirta is an erect to ascending or procumbent, annual plant, with a branched stem that can grow around 100cm long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Mediterranean region - Portugal, Spain, Syria, Palestine, Morocco, Algeria; Macaronesia - Canaries.

Habitat

Cultivated fields, ditches, screes, on calcareous and clay soils; at elevations up to 800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally require a sunny position, growing best in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil[]. Succeeds in shallow chalk soils[].
Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be moved with care[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The aerial parts of the plant are used as a treatment against skin cancer and lesions[]

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Scarify or pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow the seed in early spring in a greenhouse[]. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in the autumn. Plants resent root disturbance and so, as soon as they are large enough to handle, they should be pricked out into individual pots and then planted out in late spring[].