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Description
Ononis Pusilla is a small, herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and can be found in rocky and sandy habitats, including coastal areas, grasslands, and heaths. This plant is also known by several common names, including Dwarf Restharrow and Small Restharrow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Ononis |
| Species | Pusilla |
Appearance
Ononis Pusilla is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 10-20 cm. It has a woody base and slender stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, with a grey-green color and a slightly hairy texture. The flowers are pink or purplish in color and are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. They bloom from May to August and are followed by small, brown seed pods.
Care Guide
Ononis Pusilla is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:- Water: Ononis Pusilla prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid getting water on the leaves.- Fertilization: This plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once or twice a year should be sufficient.- Soil: Ononis Pusilla prefers a sandy or gravelly soil that is well-drained. It does not like heavy, clay soils.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become spindly.- Hardiness Zones: Ononis Pusilla is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ononis Pusilla is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be vulnerable to root rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids and spider mites may occasionally be a problem, but they can usually be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Ononis Pusilla is native to Europe and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky and sandy areas, coastal cliffs, grasslands, and heaths. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought and salt spray.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ononis Pusilla a good plant for a rock garden?
A: Yes, Ononis Pusilla is well-suited for rock gardens because it prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought and salt spray.
Q: Can Ononis Pusilla be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Ononis Pusilla can be grown in a container as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should Ononis Pusilla be fertilized?
A: Ononis Pusilla does not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once or twice a year should be sufficient.
Q: How tall does Ononis Pusilla typically grow?
A: Ononis Pusilla typically reaches a height of 10-20 cm.
Related Plants
– Ononis arvensis (Field Restharrow)- Ononis natrix (Spiny Restharrow)- Ononis spinosa (Spiny Restharrow)
References
– “Ononis pusilla.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7975/ononis-pusilla/details.- “Ononis pusilla.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ononis+pusilla.- “Ononis pusilla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j290.
