Restharrow: A Tough Little Wildflower Worth Knowing
If you’ve ever wondered about those small, prickly plants with delicate pea-like flowers popping up in fields and roadsides, you might be looking at restharrow (Ononis). This hardy little forb has quite the personality – it’s tough as nails, surprisingly pretty, and has a knack for making itself at home just about anywhere.
What Exactly Is Restharrow?
Restharrow belongs to the genus Ononis and goes by the botanical name that’s refreshingly simple to remember. As a forb herb, it’s essentially a flowering plant without woody stems – think of it as the scrappy cousin in the wildflower family. These plants can be either annual or perennial, meaning some live for just one growing season while others come back year after year to greet you in your garden.
The name restharrow has a charmingly practical origin – farmers once cursed these plants because their tough, deep roots could actually stop (or arrest) a harrow, the farming tool used to break up soil. Talk about plant power!
Where You’ll Find Restharrow
Originally hailing from Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia and North Africa, restharrow has made itself quite comfortable in North America. You can find established populations across several states including Alberta, California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. It’s what botanists call a naturalized species – essentially, it moved in without an invitation but has been behaving itself reasonably well.
The Good, The Bad, and The Spiny
Here’s where restharrow gets interesting. On the plus side, this plant is practically bulletproof once established. It laughs in the face of drought, shrugs off poor soil, and asks for very little attention. The small pink, purple, or white flowers are genuinely charming and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.
However, there’s a but coming – restharrow can be quite the self-starter. It readily self-seeds and can spread more enthusiastically than you might expect. While its invasive status isn’t definitively established, it’s worth keeping an eye on any restharrow you invite into your garden.
Growing Restharrow Successfully
If you decide to give restharrow a try, you’re in for a low-maintenance relationship. Here’s what this tough little plant needs:
- Sunlight: Full sun is its preference, though it can tolerate some light shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – it actually prefers lean, poor soils over rich garden beds
- Water: Once established, it’s remarkably drought tolerant
- Climate: Generally hardy in USDA zones 4-8, depending on the specific species
The beauty of restharrow lies in its plant it and forget it nature. It’s particularly well-suited for rock gardens, naturalized areas, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes where its informal, slightly wild appearance fits right in.
A Word of Caution and Native Alternatives
While restharrow isn’t classified as invasive, its non-native status and tendency to self-seed enthusiastically deserve consideration. If you’re committed to native gardening, there are wonderful alternatives that provide similar benefits without the ecological concerns.
Consider native legumes like wild lupines, native clovers, or regional wildflowers that offer comparable drought tolerance and pollinator benefits while supporting your local ecosystem. Your native plant society or extension office can recommend species that naturally occur in your area.
The Bottom Line
Restharrow is a fascinating example of a plant that’s made itself at home far from its origins. Its combination of toughness, modest beauty, and pollinator appeal makes it understandable why gardeners might be drawn to it. Just remember that with great adaptability comes great responsibility – keep an eye on its spread and consider whether native alternatives might better serve both your garden goals and local wildlife.
Whether you choose to grow restharrow or opt for native alternatives, the most important thing is creating a garden that brings you joy while being mindful of its impact on the broader landscape.
