Field Restharrow: A Hardy Wildflower with a Thorny Personality
If you’re looking for a plant that’s tougher than a two-dollar steak and just about as stubborn, meet field restharrow (Ononis arvensis). This perennial forb might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got character in spades – and thorns to match!
What Exactly Is Field Restharrow?
Field restharrow is a perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Think of it as the scrappy underdog of the plant world – it lacks the impressive woody stems of shrubs and trees, but makes up for it with pure determination and some seriously sharp thorns.
This little fighter belongs to the pea family, and you’ll notice the family resemblance in its small, pink to purple flowers that bloom in late summer. The compound leaves and thorny stems give it a somewhat wild, untamed appearance that’s either charming or concerning, depending on your gardening philosophy.
Where Does Field Restharrow Call Home?
Originally from Europe and the Mediterranean regions, field restharrow has made itself at home in parts of North America. You’ll currently find it growing in Alberta, New York, and Oregon, where it has established itself as a naturalized resident. While it’s considered non-native to North America, it reproduces on its own and tends to stick around once it arrives.
The Good, The Bad, and The Thorny
Let’s be honest about field restharrow’s pros and cons:
The Good:
- Incredibly drought tolerant once established
- Thrives in poor, sandy soils where other plants struggle
- Attracts bees and small pollinators with its pea-family flowers
- Low maintenance – almost too low maintenance
- Hardy in USDA zones 4-8
The Not-So-Good:
- Can spread aggressively and become weedy
- Those thorns aren’t just for show – they’re sharp!
- Not the most ornamental plant for formal gardens
- May outcompete native species
Where Field Restharrow Fits in Your Landscape
Field restharrow isn’t your typical garden center darling, and that’s probably for the best. It’s most at home in:
- Wild or naturalized garden areas
- Slopes or areas prone to erosion
- Poor soil sites where you need tough ground cover
- Areas where you want minimal maintenance
Skip this one if you’re planning a formal flower border or anywhere you need precise control over plant spread.
Growing Field Restharrow (If You Dare)
If you’ve decided field restharrow is your kind of plant, here’s how to keep it happy:
Soil: This plant actually prefers poor, sandy, well-draining soil. Rich garden soil might make it too comfortable and even more aggressive.
Sun: Full sun is where field restharrow thrives best, though it can tolerate some light shade.
Water: Once established, it’s remarkably drought tolerant. In fact, too much water might kill it with kindness.
Planting: Spring planting works best. Give it space – this plant likes to spread, and those thorns make close neighbors uncomfortable.
Maintenance: The beauty of field restharrow is that it needs almost no care. Your main job might be containing it rather than coddling it.
A Word About Native Alternatives
While field restharrow isn’t considered invasive based on current data, it’s worth considering native alternatives that provide similar benefits without the potential for ecological disruption. Look into native legumes in your area that offer comparable drought tolerance and pollinator benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Field restharrow is like that friend who’s a bit rough around the edges but incredibly reliable. It’s not going to win garden tours, but if you need a tough, low-maintenance plant for challenging sites, it might just be your answer. Just remember – with great hardiness comes great responsibility to keep it in check!
Whether you choose field restharrow or opt for native alternatives, the key is matching the right plant to the right spot. And maybe investing in some good gardening gloves if you go the thorny route!
