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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Ononis repens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

O. arvensis. Auct.

Plant Habitats

Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots
Edible Uses: Drink

Root - raw or cooked. A liquorice substitute[5, 66]. Soaked in cold water it makes a refreshing cold drink[66]. The young shoots were at one time much used as a vegetable, being boiled, pickled or eaten in salads[4].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Lithontripic

The whole herb has been used in the treatment of bladder stones and to subdue delirium[4].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Nitrogen Fixer Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a sunny position in a well-drained neutral to alkaline soil[200]. Succeeds on the tops of walls and on dry banks[200]. Similar to O. spinosa, but this species is rhizomatous[200]. It can spread rapidly when well sited[1] and has become an obnoxious weed in some areas[245]. 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[245]. A food plant for the common blue butterfly[200]. Dislikes root disturbance[200]. 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[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Scarify or pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and sow the seed in the middle of spring in situ[200]. 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[200]. Division just before new growth begins in spring[200]. 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[111].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Denmark, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine (west), Former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Italy (north), Romania, Spain, France

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Ononis spinosa	Spiny Rest Harrow	Perennial	0.6	5-9		LMH	N	DM	2	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Ononis repens - L.