Hairy Restharrow

ononis pubescens

Also known as: ["Hairy Restharrow"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Ononis Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, characterized by hairy stems and leaves, and small pinkish-white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Ononis
Botanical Name: Ononis pubescens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny area, tolerates poor soils
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–20 to 35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.

Use a mix of garden soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoids frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize in spring and summer only; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth indicates establishment.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud; thin out crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilized scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to frost damage if temperatures drop below freezing.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; use frost cloth or mulch to insulate roots; avoid watering before cold nights.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Ononis pubescens may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ononis pubescens can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Ononis pubescens may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Ononis pubescens due to excessive moisture, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Ononis pubescens is slightly toxic to cats due to the presence of saponins in the seeds and leaves. These compounds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in felines. While not highly toxic, ingestion should be avoided to prevent discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from ingesting the plant; seek veterinary advice if consumption is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ononis pubescens can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested. The seeds and leaves contain saponins, which may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in canines. While not life-threatening, ingestion should be monitored to prevent discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets from consuming large amounts of the plant; consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Ononis pubescens is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of saponins. These compounds can irritate the digestive tract but are not considered highly toxic.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Consume in moderation; avoid excessive intake of seeds to prevent mild gastrointestinal upset.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ononis pubescens toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Ononis pubescens grow?

A: It is a perennial herb that thrives in well-drained soils and full sun.

Q: Does Ononis pubescens attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies due to its flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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