Dwarf restharrow

ononis pusilla

Also known as: ["Small restharrow","Least restharrow"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Ononis Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, low-growing perennial herbaceous plant in the Fabaceae family, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Ononis
Botanical Name: Ononis pusilla

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or open meadows
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid direct indoor light for prolonged periods.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged cold.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature indoors.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during growing season, none in winter

Apply fertilizer after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity, indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp scissors, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead or diseased parts.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too big.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; ensure drainage.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Check root bound status; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent standing moisture.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; apply a layer of mulch for insulation; avoid overwatering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering cautiously; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; dilute correctly; apply during active growth.

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 pusilla may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ononis pusilla can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Ononis pusilla may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting in Ononis pusilla is often associated with root or stem decay caused by fungal pathogens or excessive moisture, which can lead to plant death if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Ononis pusilla. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild irritation.

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

if eaten

Prevent cats from consuming Ononis pusilla; seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Ononis pusilla may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant does not typically cause severe toxicity but can cause discomfort.

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

if eaten

Keep pets away from Ononis pusilla; consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Ononis pusilla contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and potential allergic reactions in humans. The physiological impact is generally limited to mild irritation of the digestive tract.

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

if eaten

Avoid consumption of Ononis pusilla; wash hands after handling.
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 pusilla suitable for rock gardens?

A: Yes, its low-growing habit and drought tolerance make it well-suited for rock gardens.

Q: Does Ononis pusilla require regular watering?

A: No, it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil with minimal watering.

Q: Does Ononis pusilla attract pollinators?

A: Yes, its flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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