Ononis spinosa | spiny restharrow

This spiny member of the pea family may not be the most collectible plant out there, but it is one of the toughest. It thrives in dry, infertile, sandy, sloped situations and makes it through the cold, wet winters of the northeast like a champ. Best planted en masse for a stunning flower display.

Spiny restharrow has typical pea-like flowers in light rose and purple shades and trifoliate leaves. It is high in calcium and potassium, fixes nitrogen, and helps to improve moisture in poor, sandy soils. 

Growing tip: plant when small and do not attempt to relocate. Long roots sincerely resent disturbance.

Zones: 5 to 9
Family: Papilionaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 12 to 18 in.
Spread: 12 to 18 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Conditions: dry, well-drained, average
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Color: pink
Native Range: Europe, Asia, and Africa