Common Restharrow (Ononis repens) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in temperate regions. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a nitrogen-fixing plant, enhancing soil fertility and structure. It is particularly valuable in food forests and polycultures, where it supports neighboring plants by improving nutrient availability. The plant's dense root system is effective in preventing soil erosion, making it ideal for stabilizing slopes and disturbed soils. Common Restharrow is a ground cover layer in food forests, attracting pollinators with its pink pea-like flowers, thus contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health. It is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its diuretic properties, particularly the roots, which are noted for their medicinal qualities.
Growing Details
Common Restharrow thrives in well-drained, sandy to loamy soils with full sun exposure. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. It pairs well with other nitrogen-fixing plants like clovers and can be interplanted with grasses to stabilize soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can lead to root rot. Harvest young shoots in spring for culinary use, and prune regul
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Ononis repens</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and parts of Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of Jun for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The young shoots and leaves can be consumed raw or cooked, though they are not widely used due to their low palatability. They are best harvested in spring when they are tender.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Common Restharrow has been traditionally used for its diuretic properties, aiding in the treatment of urinary tract infections and kidney stones. The roots are particularly noted for their medicinal qualities and are typically harvested in autumn for maximum potency.
health concerns: Excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. It is advisable to use it in moderation and consult a healthcare provider if used for medicinal purposes.
other uses: The plant can be used as a green manure to improve soil quality, and its dense growth habit makes it suitable for erosion control.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Ononis repens
common names: Restharrow; Creeping Restharrow; Common Res
family: Fabaceae
sub family: Faboideae
tribe: Trifolieae
sub tribe:
genus: Ononis
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.6 m
max width: 1.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Common Restharrow thrives in well-drained, sandy to loamy soils with full sun exposure. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. It pairs well with other nitrogen-fixing plants like clovers and can be interplanted with grasses to stabilize soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can lead to root rot. Harvest young shoots in spring for culinary use, and prune regul
Potential Disturbances: Common Restharrow is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally suffer from aphid infestations. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can also help deter aphids. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray if infestations become severe.
Growth Timeline
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