Nomenclature of this species is rather confused. We are following the treatment in GRIN (https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=313901), but in the African Plants Database[] it is treated as a subspecies of Ononis spinosa (as Ononis spinosa maritima (Dumort.) P.Fourn.), whilst The Euro+Med PlantBase (http://ww2.bgbm.org/EuroPlusMed/PTaxonDetail.asp?NameCache=Ononis%20repens&PTRefFk=8500000) treats it as a subspecies of Ononis pinosa (as Ononis spinosa subsp. procurrens (Wallr.) Briq.).

Common Name: Common Rest Harrow

General Information

Ononis repens is a prostrate, perennial plant with branched stems that become more or less woody, especially near the base. The stems often form roots, and the plant also spreads by means of underground stems, forming low clumps of growth 10 - 20cm tall[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medcine.
Ononis repens can spread rapidly by means of underground stems when well sited[] and has become an obnoxious weed in some areas[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe - Norway to Britain and Spain, east to southern Russia, Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey; N. Africa - Morocco

Habitat

Dry grassland on calcareous soils[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ononis repens is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant[].
Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil[]. Succeeds in shallow soils over chalk[].
The plant is particularly useful for growing on the tops of walls or on dry banks[].
This species is similar to Ononis spinosa, but this species is rhizomatous[]. It can spread rapidly when well sited[] and has become an obnoxious weed in some areas[]. Mature roots are very tough and the plant gained its common name of 'Rest Harrow' because ploughs and harrows would be unable to break through it (in the days before heavy machinery was used on the land!).
The whole plant emits a delicious resinous odour when bruised[].
A food plant for the common blue butterfly[].
Dislikes root disturbance[].
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

Root - raw or cooked. A liquorice substitute[, ]. Soaked in cold water it makes a refreshing cold drink[].

The young shoots were at one time much used as a vegetable, being boiled, pickled or eaten in salads[].

Medicinal

The whole herb has been used in the treatment of bladder stones and to subdue delirium[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Scarify or pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow the seed in the middle of spring in situ[].
The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in the autumn. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring[].
Division just before new growth begins in spring[]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings, September in a cold frame[].