Spiny Rest Harrow (Ononis spinosa)

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

Ononis spinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. Used as a potherb. Roots - chewed for their liquorice-like flavour. Flowers - raw. They are used as a decoration on salads. — Young shoots - cooked.; Used as a potherb.; Roots - chewed for their liquorice-like flavour.; They are used as a decoration on salads.

Habitat & North American Range

Chalk and limestone grassland, stony hillsides and open pine forests, mainly on dry stony ground. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)