Spiny Rest Harrow
Ononis spinosa
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Pl. BA37 — Ononis spinosa
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IOverview
Overview
Spiny Rest Harrow (Ononis spinosa) is a perennial plant known for its light requirement of full sun and ability to thrive in various soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—with a preference for dry to moist conditions. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Altay, East European Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, North Caucasus, Pakistan, South European Russia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and West Himalaya, this plant is both ornamental and edible. Its distinctive feature lies in its spiny nature, which sets it apart from other plants in the Ononis genus. The edible parts include flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes where its hardiness zones 5-9 ensure year-round presence.
Quick answers
What is Spiny Rest Harrow?
Spiny Rest Harrow (Ononis spinosa) is a perennial plant known for its light requirement of full sun and ability to thrive in various soil types—ranging from sandy to clay—with a preference for dry to moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spiny Rest Harrow thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. This perennial plant is hardy in zones 5-9 and reaches a height of about 0.6 meters. For propagation, you can use seeds or divide the roots in spring or fall. The edible parts include flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots, making it a versatile addition to your garden.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Spiny Rest Harrow for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, suitable for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Keep the area weed-free and mulch lightly if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and minimal watering once established. Prune dead or damaged branches in early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune plants in late winter before new growth begins to encourage a bushy shape and prevent overcrowding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: The spiny rest harrow is edible and its flowers, leaves, roots, and shoots can be consumed. Typically, the plant parts are eaten fresh or dried. The flowers and young shoots may be used raw in salads, while the leaves and roots are often prepared by boiling before consumption.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyRussia
Asia8 regions
native (8)AfghanistanChinaIndiaIranKazakhstanPakistanTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Altay, Czechoslovakia, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, West Himalaya, Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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