Spiny restharrow
ExplorePlants
Spiny restharrow
Ononis spinosa
The Spiny Restharrow is a prickly plant that grows close to the ground. It has beautiful pink flowers that bloom in the summer, attracting butterflies and bees!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Spiny restharrow is a low-growing plant with woody, thorny stems and small, bright pink, pea-like flowers. Its numerous sharp spines make it easily distinguishable from other wild plants in grasslands. The leaves are small and often have tiny hairs.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusOnonis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its thorns, this plant is a favorite snack for many caterpillars and beetles!
Its beautiful pink flowers are shaped just like tiny butterflies getting ready to fly!
People once used Spiny restharrow roots to make a foamy, soap-like substance for washing!
This plant's name means it 'stops the plough' because its tough roots snag farm tools!
Special abilities
Ability
Thorn Shield
Spiny restharrow has sharp thorns along its stems that help it defend against hungry animals trying to eat its leaves and flowers.
Ability
Deep Root Explorer
Spiny restharrow can grow incredibly long taproots deep into the soil to find water, helping it survive dry conditions.
Ability
Nitrogen Fixer
Like other pea family plants, Spiny restharrow can enrich the soil by capturing nitrogen from the air.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its flowers for sweet nectar.
pollinates
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Helps carry pollen between plants.
eaten by
Domestic sheep
Ovis aries
Graze on its young shoots and leaves.
eaten by
European rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Nibbles on its foliage in pastures.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful of the sharp spines when touching this plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Spiny restharrow?
10-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Spiny restharrow?
1-1.5 cm
When does Spiny restharrow bloom?
Summer
Is Spiny restharrow edible?
Yes
Is Spiny restharrow toxic?
Mild
What is Spiny restharrow's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Spiny restharrow pollinated?
Insect
Where is Spiny restharrow usually found?
Grasslands
Snap Map
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