Share

Common Restharrow

©Philip Precey

Common restharrow

+ -
Scientific name: Ononis repens
Look for the small, pink, pea-shaped flowers of Common restharrow on chalk and limestone grasslands, and in coastal areas, during summer.

Top facts

Category

Stats

Height: up to 70cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

July to September

About

Common restharrow is a low-growing, creeping plant with clusters of small, pink flowers that can be seen from July to September. It can be found on grassland, particularly chalk and limestone grassland, and in coastal areas.

What to look for

A creeping perennial, Common restharrow has leaves that are greasy to the touch and divided into three oval leaflets. It has hairy stems and clusters of small, pink, pea-like flowers.

Where to find

Most common in England, especially around the coast.

Habitats

Did you know?

Common restharrow has extremely tough, thick roots that spread in a dense network and, during the days of horse-drawn cultivation, could stop ('arrest') a harrow in its tracks.