Common Name: Yellow Restharrow

General Information

Ononis natrix is an erect, much-branched, perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody, especially near the base; it can grow up to 60cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Europe - Portugal to southern Germany, east to Greece; N. Africa - Morocco to Egypt; W. Asia - Turkey to Israel, east to Iraq

Habitat

Dry, rocky or grassy habitats, often on calcareous soils; at elevations up to 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ononis natrix is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -15°c when fully dormant[].
Requires a sunny position, growing best in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil[]. Succeeds in shallow chalk soils[].
The plant is particularly useful for growing on the tops of walls or on dry banks[].
Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be moved with care[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Infusions of the roots and flowers have been used to treat disturnabces of the urinary tract[].

Various studies have been carried out on this plant and have shown that it posesses antibacterial and antimicrobial activity[]
The aerial parts of the plant have been shown to have a potent inhibitory effect on the production of pancreatic lipase, thus helping to lower lipid levels in the body. It could, therefore, have a role to play in the treatment of obesity[].

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[].

Cuttings of soft young shoots in early summer in a closed frame with bottom heat[].