Ononis minutissima — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Ononis minutissima

Ononis Minutissima

Updated · 645 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Ononis minutissima, commonly known as the dwarf restharrow, is a small perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to Europe, it thrives in dry and rocky environments such as grasslands, heaths, and sand dunes. This plant grows up to 10 cm in height, featuring a woody stem that branches into several thin stems adorned with small leaves. The leaves are pinnate, consisting of 3-5 oval-shaped leaflets covered in fine hairs.

The flowers of Ononis minutissima are pink or purple and bloom from May to August. They grow on short stalks from the axils of the upper leaves, forming clusters at the top of each stem. The flowers have a distinctive shape with five petals that resemble a butterfly.

Historically, Ononis minutissima has been used for medicinal purposes due to its diuretic properties, which help increase urine production and aid kidney function. It has also been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat rheumatism.

The dwarf restharrow is an important plant species for pollinators such as bees, thanks to its nectar-rich flowers that attract them during the blooming season.

Overall, Ononis minutissima is a fascinating plant species known for its medicinal properties and its vital role in supporting pollinators within their natural habitats.

A note from PlantMom

Pygmy restharrow has strong resistance to disease and is usually not vulnerable to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. When planted outdoors, it needs little watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Pygmy restharrowt is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much prior care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Ononis Minutissima.

Light

Pygmy restharrow comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide abundant light. It performs best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.

Water

The pygmy restharrow is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in arid environments. It needs watering only every 2-3 weeks and prefers well-drained soil. This plant is ideal for outdoor gardens in regions with low rainfall.

Temperature

Pygmy restharrow shows strong adaptability to a variety of climate conditions, from scorching summers to cold winters. However, it does have an ideal temperature range for growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can lead to its death. In areas where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, it is important to provide insulation to protect the plant.

Fertilizer

To encourage healthy growth, fertilize your Pygmy restharrow in early spring. Consistent fertilization boosts overall health, producing vigorous growth, greater tolerance of challenging conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a specific fertilization schedule for your Pygmy restharrow to ensure foliage that is vibrant, deeply colored, and lush.

Pruning

The pygmy restharrow, admired for its small size and delicate pink flowers, benefits greatly from pruning in early spring. By trimming up to one-third of the plant, you can promote growth and maintain its shape. Additionally, pruning after it flowers encourages new blooms, which enhances the plant's health and visual appeal.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Ononis
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
40 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Tunisia, Italy, Spain, Algeria, Croatia, Morocco, France
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Pygmy restharrow
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What's the best way to water my Pygmy restharrow?

To ensure excellent root development for your plants, consider using a garden hose at the base of the plant instead of directly spraying the leaves. If your plants are outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, keep in mind that the leaves may need more water. Bubblers can be attached to each plant to moisturize the roots, and you can also use soaker hoses to cover the entire garden or bed when repositioning or adding plants. Remember to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Watering at ground level helps prevent diseases. On sunny days, it may be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Whether your plants are in pots or in the ground, it is important to prioritize deep watering rather than light sprinkling for Pygmy restharrow.

What are the sunlight requirements for Pygmy Restharrow (Ononis minutissima)?

Pygmy Restharrow requires full sun, defined as above 6 hours of sunlight, but can also tolerate partial sun, which is about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. This adaptability allows it to thrive in various sunlight conditions, from open environments such as sunny meadows to forest edges. It's essential to watch how sunlight moves through your garden and choose spots that provide the right balance of light and shade for the well-being of your plants.

What do I need to do if I give too much or too little water to Pygmy restharrow?

If you overwater your Pygmy restharrow, its leaves can turn yellow, drop off, and wilt. The plant may also appear dull and unhealthy, with mushy stems. When you see these signs, adjust your watering schedule. Wilting can also indicate under watering, as the leaves will become crispy and dry. When the soil is dry, give the plant a thorough watering. However, despite adequate watering, the Pygmy restharrow may still have dry and yellow leaves due to root damage. Once it returns to normal, the yellowing will stop. Indoors, always check the moisture levels and avoid overwatering. If you see black spots, let the soil dry out for a few days. Overwatering can cause root rot, so if you notice discolored and slimy roots, consider transferring the plant to a different pot. Prevent root rot by avoiding overly soggy soil. When planting outdoors, dig deeper and if the soil is too dry, it may indicate underwatering. Proper watering is necessary for the plant to recover.

Can artificial lighting be used for Pygmy Restharrow, and if so, how?

Yes, artificial lighting can be used for Pygmy Restharrow, especially in conditions where natural sunlight is insufficient, like in winter or less sunny spaces. LED lights are recommended because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that plants need. For optimal growth, full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, while full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and the duration should mimic natural daylight hours, with most plants needing 8-12 hours of light per day.

How often do I need to water my Pygmy restharrow plant?

The Pygmy restharrow prefers to be watered deeply but less often. This is especially important when planted in pots, as they have limited water storage and the soil can dry out quickly. In cold regions, watering is needed every 3 to 5 days. It is best to water early in the morning when the soil is dry, regardless of whether the plant is outdoors or indoors. You can check if watering is necessary by testing the moisture of the soil. If the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, it's time to give the plant a thorough watering. On hot days, it's important to check the moisture daily as the pot soil can dry out quickly. If you have a garden, you will also need to irrigate the soil. In hot climates, watering once a week is advisable. Only water when you observe that about 2 to 3 inches of soil are too dry, whether the plant is indoors or outdoors. Take into consideration any rainwater the plant has received and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. In spring and fall, when the Pygmy restharrow usually grows, it's recommended to add a 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch outdoors to retain moisture. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering due to its fast drainage, while clay soil needs less frequent watering (2-3 days) to prevent root rot. It can be useful to mark the watering dates on a calendar and pay attention to drooping leaves as a sign that watering may be needed.

What are some common symptoms of light deficiency in Pygmy Restharrow?

When Pygmy Restharrow is placed in rooms with suboptimal lighting, it can exhibit symptoms such as smaller new leaves compared to the previous ones, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis (leaves losing green color and turning yellow), sunscald (damage from intense sunlight exposure), leaf curling (a defense mechanism to minimize water loss), wilting, and leaf scorching (brown, dry edges on leaves due to excessive sunlight). These symptoms indicate a light deficiency impacting the plant’s health and growth.

How much water should I give my Pygmy restharrow?

The Pygmy restharrow generally needs about a gallon of water on a regular schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until water drips out the bottom of the pot, then wait for the soil to dry before watering again. To monitor the amount of water you give your plant, you can use a water calculator or a moisture meter to track it weekly. During the flowering period, give plenty of water but allow the moisture to evaporate afterwards to avoid root rot. If the Pygmy restharrow is planted outdoors with sufficient rainfall, it may not need extra watering. Young or newly planted Pygmy restharrow should receive 1-2 inches of rain per week, but as it matures, it can rely solely on rainfall. However, if the weather is very hot or there is no rain for 2-3 weeks, give the Pygmy restharrow a thorough watering during the cooler part of the day to prevent heat damage. Additional watering will be necessary during extended dry spells.

How can you address light deficiency issues for Pygmy Restharrow?

To address light deficiency issues for Pygmy Restharrow, indoor plants can be gradually moved to a sunnier location to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, using a south-facing window and keeping curtains open during the day. Artificial light, such as a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily or professional plant grow lights, can also provide additional light. For outdoor plants, finding the best spot for sunlight and avoiding sudden changes in light intensity is vital to prevent sunburn. Minimizing obstructions by pruning or transplanting to a sunnier location with good drainage can also help. It’s important to note that parts of the plant affected by insufficient sunlight may not recover, but new growth will be healthy with increased light exposure.

Should I change how often I water my Pygmy restharrow depending on the time of year or the weather?

The Pygmy restharrow plant requires watering only during persistent dry weather, as it can usually get enough water from rainfall. During the spring and fall growing seasons, it's important to keep the soil moist but not soggy, alternating between dry and moist conditions. In the summer, hot weather can cause water to evaporate quickly, so more frequent watering might be necessary if there is a lack of rainfall. However, during winter, the Pygmy restharrow needs less water as it goes dormant. Using a well-draining soil mixture can help with quick water evaporation. Once the Pygmy restharrow starts to leaf out in the spring, watering can be skipped, relying on fall and winter rains to sustain it during dormancy. Good drainage is crucial at all times to avoid ponding or drought. When in a pot, the limited root growth requires regular watering, especially in summer. Deep watering once or twice a week, avoiding shallow sprinkles, is preferable to reach the roots. The plant should not dry out completely in fall or winter, even during dormancy. Overwatering should also be avoided as it can lead to root rot, which can be fatal during winter. Applying mulch can help reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.

What do I need to be cautious about when watering my Pygmy restharrow in various seasons, climates, or during different growing times?

When planting Pygmy restharrow in the ground, it primarily depends on rain for water. However, if there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, you may need to water the plants deeply. If watering in the summer, it's best to do it in the morning to avoid stressing the roots with a large temperature difference. Avoid watering the bushes when it's very hot outside. Start mulching them in the spring when the ground is not too cold. The age of the plants is important, as newly planted ones often fail to grow due to lack of water. Once established, reduce watering frequency. During fall and winter, especially if the soil has water-retaining material, water less to prevent drying out from winter winds. Windy seasons require more watering. Plants in pots dry out faster and need more watering. If you notice less blooming and drying leaves, increase watering. Be cautious not to let potted plants sit in water and avoid containers with saucers, bowls, or trays. Overwatering in fall can cause mottled or yellowish foliage. Prevent overwatering regardless of the climate or season. When Pygmy restharrow begins to flower, increase watering frequency, but allow them to rest once fully grown. Water every 3 to 5 days, but don't follow strict schedules. Check the soil moisture with your finger or a moisture meter. Avoid overwatering or underwatering to prevent root rot and plant death.

Why is it important to water my Pygmy restharrow plant?

Watering the Pygmy restharrow is vital for nutrient transportation throughout the plant. To maintain its health, it's important to know the appropriate amount of water to provide, which will vary depending on the weather and soil conditions. While this species thrives in moist soil, it cannot tolerate excessive water. When planting in the ground, make sure to add enough mulch and avoid under-watering. In pots, a full can of water is recommended to ensure the base remains moist for optimal blooms. For foliage growth, watering to a depth of 10 to 20 inches is necessary. When it's raining, refrain from watering and let the plant absorb the needed nutrients from the rainwater.

PLATES
Ononis minutissima leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Ononis minutissima leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Ononis minutissima flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Ononis minutissima flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Ononis minutissima fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Ononis minutissima fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
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