Thorny restharrow (Ononis spinosa, Sp. Pl.: 716 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 716 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ononis

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Xinjiang and W. Himalaya, N. Africa

Description

Thorny restharrow, scientifically known as Ononis spinosa, is a notable plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. First documented in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this hardy plant is distinguished by its spiny nature and widespread geographical reach.

Native to vast regions spanning from Europe to Xinjiang and the Western Himalayas, as well as North Africa, Ononis spinosa has adapted to various climates and terrains. This adaptability allows it to flourish in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from temperate zones in Europe to more arid regions in North Africa. Its presence in the Himalayas and Xinjiang further highlights its resilience and ecological versatility.

The plant is often recognized by its thorny stems, which can grow up to 1 meter in height. The small, pink flowers of Ononis spinosa are another characteristic feature, usually blooming in the summer months. These blossoms add a subtle, yet beautiful touch to the often rugged landscapes the plant inhabits.

Historically, Ononis spinosa has been noted for its usage in traditional medicine, particularly for its diuretic properties and treatment of various ailments. Despite its somewhat forbidding appearance due to its spines, the plant has been valued for its healing properties and contribution to local pharmacopeias.

In summary, the thorny restharrow (Ononis spinosa) stands out not only for its spiky demeanor but also for its ability to thrive across a broad range of geographies. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it holds a unique place in both the botanical world and traditional medicinal practices across its native regions.

Common Names

Deu: dornige hauhechel
Dan: krageklo
Eng: spiny restharrow, restharrow, thorny restharrow
Swe: busktörne, åsnetörne
Cat: gavó espinós
Nno: vedbeinurt
Nob: vedbeinurt
Fra: bugrane épineuse
Cym: cas gan arddwr, hwp yr ychen, tag yr aradr pigog, tagaradr pigog
Nld: kattendoorn + kruipend stalkruid, kruipend stalkruid en kattendoorn
En: Thorny restharrow, Restharrow, Spiny restharrow, Spiny Rest-harrow, Thorny Ononis
Ca: Gavó espinós, Gavó espinos
Cs: Jehlice trnitá
Da: Krageklo
Nl: Kattedoorn, Kattendoorn + Kruipend stalkruid, Kruipend stalkruid en kattendoorn, Katteddorn
Fi: Piikkiorakko, Ruusuorakko
Fr: Bugrane épineuse, Arrête-boeuf
De: Dornige Hauhechel
He: שברק קוצני
It: Arrestabue, Bonaga, Ononide spinosa, Stancabue
Nb: Vedbeinurt
Nn: Vedbeinurt
Pt: Gatunha, Gatinha (1), Resta-boi, Rilha-boi, Unha-gata
Sk: Ihlica tŕnitá
Es: Gatuña, Bolomaga, Gatuaña
Sv: Busktörne, Åsnetörne
Cy: Cas Gan Arddwr, Hwp yr Ychen, Tag yr Aradr Pigog, Tagaradr Pigog

Synonyms

• Anonis spinosa ((L.) Scop.)
• Ononis spinosa var. latifolia (Lej.)
• Bonaga spinosa ((L.) Medik.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Finland (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Jul 6, 2017 by fa56 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Jenn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2017 by Mehmet Basbag (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2020 by lopezlacasa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Michel Nialon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2018 by Avetrani Paolo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2017 by robert plante (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Manu_ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2017 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Jenn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Markus W. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by JLuc Hubert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2977149)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:332101-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ononis spinosa L.)

Specifications

Growth