Rest Harrow (Ononis repens)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Ononis repens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

refreshing cold drink. — Root - raw or cooked.; A liquorice substitute.; Soaked in cold water it makes a refreshing cold drink.; The young shoots were at one time much used as a vegetable, being boiled, pickled or eaten in salads.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry grassland on calcareous soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)