Contents
Description
Ononis fruticosa is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as Restharrow and grows up to 2 meters high. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and is also found in the Mediterranean region. The stem of the plant is woody and has a rough texture. The plant blooms from May to September and has small pink or purplish flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers are fragrant and attract bees and butterflies. The fruit is a pod that contains seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Ononis |
Appearance
The leaves of Ononis fruticosa are alternate and have a greyish-green color. They are pinnately compound and have 15 to 25 leaflets. The leaflets are narrow and have a pointed tip. The plant has a bushy appearance and grows in a spreading manner. The stem is woody and has a rough texture. The flowers are small and grow in clusters of 3 to 10 flowers. The flowers have a pink or purplish color and are about 1 cm in length. The fruit is a pod that is about 2 cm long and contains 2 to 6 seeds.
Care Guide
Ononis fruticosa requires well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. The plant should be fertilized once a year with a balanced fertilizer. It is best to prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape. Ononis fruticosa is hardy to zone 6 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -23°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ononis fruticosa is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that there is good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Ononis fruticosa is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and is also found in the Mediterranean region. The plant grows in dry areas, such as rocky hillsides, meadows, and coastal regions. It is also commonly found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ononis fruticosa a good plant for a small garden?
A: Yes, Ononis fruticosa is a good plant for a small garden because it has a bushy appearance and does not grow too tall.
Q: Can Ononis fruticosa be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Ononis fruticosa can be grown in a container, but it will need to be pruned regularly to maintain its shape.
Q: Does Ononis fruticosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Ononis fruticosa attracts bees and butterflies with its fragrant flowers.
Q: Is Ononis fruticosa invasive?
A: No, Ononis fruticosa is not considered an invasive plant.
Related Plants
- Ononis arvensis
- Ononis repens
- Ononis spinosa
- Ononis variegata
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ononis-fruticosa-restharrow
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/4800/Ononis-fruticosa/Details
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/shrub/ononis-fruticosa/
