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Ononis spinosaOnonis spinosa

Spiny Restharrow, Thornyleaf Ononis

In Stock: 0.014 lb (Total:0.014lb)

Ononis spinosa

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Details

Germination:

98%

Germination test:

Cut (Full Seed)

Purity:

98%

Seeds per lb:

121,908

Quantity:

0.01 lb

Collected in:

Germany

Crop year:

1995

Min. hardiness zone:

5

Item ID:

913

Characteristics

Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in cold water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: none required

Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Ononis spinosa, commonly known as Spiny Restharrow, is a shrubby perennial found in infertile, chalky, or calcareous meadows. This plant flourishes in full sun and well-drained, neutral to acidic soil. It grows alongside other meadow species like vetch, scabious, fescues, betony, and knapweed that share the same growing conditions. The flowering period is from May to October.
Spiny Restharrow grows to a height of 24 inches and has an impressive taproot reaching up to 20 inches long. It features unique upright stems on which numerous short shoots develop into prickly thorns, though thornless varieties also exist. Its leaves are trifoliate and pinnate at the bottom, while the upper counterpart is oval and unifoliate with dentate edges, covered with fine glandulous hairs. Pink or purplish butterfly-shaped flowers bloom from the plant’s upper angles, sometimes producing soft-haired pods bearing rounded, lumpy seeds.
Diverse in habitat, Spiny Restharrow can be found in dry meadows, peat areas, pastures, sand dunes, or along fields and waysides. It prefers sunny locations and thrives in weak loamy or chalky soils. This plant is high in calcium and potassium, fixes nitrogen, and enriches poor sandy soils, all while improving soil's microclimate and moisture content. You can find it in Europe, Asia Minor, and the coast of North Africa. Its blooms are visited by bees, making it a great addition for promoting wildlife.