How to Grow and Care for Ononis

Spiny rest-harrow (Ononis spinosa) is a Eurasian perennial. Portions of the spiny rest-harrow plant were key ingredients in the creation of Bulat steel, which was used by the Mongol armies in what is now Russia and Mongolia. The exact formula of this steel has unfortunately been lost.

Yellow restharrow (Ononis natrix), native to Europe and the Mediterranean, produces bright yellow, bonnet-like flowers. The name "restharrow" is given in homage to the plant's tough root system, which if not cleaned from agricultural land, can stall the progress of the harrow, a tool used to break up the earth after plowing.

It is a herbaceous perennial plant, woody, hairy and often thorny. The stems are rigid and reach 25 to 80 cm in height. The leaves are trifoliate at the base or whole dark green. The flowers are bright pink. The fruit is a pod.

Small restharrow is a herb that sports characteristic pea-like blooms. This plant is loved among wildlife and is a vital food source for certain moth species, particularly the grey pug. It prefers dry, calcareous soils. The epithet reclinata in its Latin name Ononis reclinata means "leaning back or on the side," in reference to the arrangement of the flowers.

Pygmy restharrow is a low-growing plant with distinctive leaves that have a greasy feel when touched. Its incredibly strong, bulky root system was historically difficult for farmers, as it prevented harrows from breaking up the soil. This plant is a prominent attractor of wildlife. Compared to its close relative Common restharrow, pygmy restharrow presents bright yellow blooms instead of its relative's pink ones.