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

Ononis Natrix

Updated · 1,616 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Ononis natrix, the yellow restharrow or shrubby rest-harrow, is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae.

A note from PlantMom

Yellow restharrow shows good resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. As for care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Yellow restharrowt is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require a lot of care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Ononis Natrix.

Light

The yellow restharrow does best in bright, full sun, which promotes its optimal growth. This reflects its natural environment where sunlight is plentiful. Excessive sunlight does not harm the plant, but insufficient light can limit growth and harm its overall health.

Water

Yellow restharrow is well-suited for arid environments due to its high drought tolerance. It typically requires watering only once every 2-3 weeks. This plant is best cultivated outdoors, where it thrives when the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. It adapts effectively to regions with sporadic rainfall.

Temperature

Yellow restharrow is indigenous to mild climates with temperatures ranging from 59 to 89.6°F (15 to 32℃). It favors consistent warmth, and slight temperature changes across seasons are recommended to mimic its natural environment.

Fertilizer

Timing is important for fertilizing Yellow restharrow. Apply fertilizer in early spring and repeat monthly through early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy both during dormant periods and active growth.

Pruning

Yellow restharrow, known for its vibrant yellow flowers, flourishes in dry, sandy soils. To encourage healthy growth and extend the flowering period, prune in early spring to remove dead branches and spent blooms. Take care to avoid heavy pruning, as this helps preserve the plant's bushy shape. Always use sterilized tools while pruning to minimize the risk of disease.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Ononis
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
8
Mature Height
49 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
10 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green, Olive Drab
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.52 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Yellow restharrow en Goatroot en Large yellow restharrow en Shrubby Restharrow en Shrubby Rest-harrow en Yellow Rest-harrow
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Yellow restharrow?

To ensure excellent root development, place a garden hose at the base of your plants. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, especially if they are outdoors in direct sunlight as they will need more watering. Consider using bubblers or soaker hoses to moisten the roots effectively. When adding or removing plants, use soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed to encourage deep root growth. After watering, make sure to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. To prevent diseases, water at ground level instead of overhead. On sunny days, it may be beneficial to spray the entire bush with water. Whether your plants are potted or in the ground, it's important to remember that Yellow restharrow prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

What are the sunlight requirements for Yellow Restharrow?

Yellow Restharrow requires above 6 hours of sunlight daily, thriving under the full glare of the sun which is reminiscent of its natural habitat where sunlight is abundant. It's crucial to watch how sunlight moves through your garden to select spots offering the perfect balance of light and shade. Insufficient sunlight can stunt the plant's growth and affect its health, whereas excessive exposure typically does not harm the plant. For indoor plants lacking natural sunlight, particularly during winter or in less sunny spaces, using artificial lighting is a vital solution. LED lights are recommended because they can be customized to provide specific wavelengths necessary for plant growth, with varying requirements based on the plant's natural sunlight needs.

What is the native climate for Yellow Restharrow?

Yellow Restharrow is native to mild climates, thriving in temperature ranges from 59 to 89.6°F (15 to 32°C). It prefers environments that offer steady warmth, with minor temperature adjustments recommended across different seasons to simulate its natural conditions. This plant adapts well to its native climate, showcasing its preference for stable and mild temperatures.

What should I do if I give Yellow restharrow too much water or too little water?

An overwatered Yellow restharrow may display yellowing, wilting leaves that eventually drop off. The plant might also appear unhealthy and dull, with mushy stems. When these signs begin to show, adjusting your watering schedule would be a good idea. However, wilting can also be a sign of under watering. In this case, the leaves may become crispy and dry. If the soil is dry and watering alone isn't sufficient, a thorough watering is needed. This will help the Yellow restharrow recover, but the plant may still have dry and yellow leaves due to root damage for a few days. Once the plant returns to normal, the yellowing of the leaves will cease. If you have a Yellow restharrow indoors, always check the moisture levels in the pot. Avoid overwatering and look for signs of black spots, which indicate excessive moisture. If such spots are present, allow the soil to dry out by withholding water for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so if you notice discolored and slimy roots, consider transferring the plant to a different pot. It's important to prevent root rot by avoiding overly soggy soil. When planting Yellow restharrow outdoors, remember to dig a little deeper. If you find the soil is too dry when you check with your fingers, it may indicate underwatering. Proper watering is necessary for the plant's recovery.

What are the symptoms of insufficient sunlight in Yellow Restharrow?

Symptoms of insufficient sunlight in Yellow Restharrow include smaller leaves than previously matured ones, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored or chlorotic new leaves indicating a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients. Excessive sunlight exposure can cause chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching, which negatively affect the plant's ability to photosynthesize and maintain overall health.

Does Yellow Restharrow require frost protection?

Yellow Restharrow exhibits a strong resistance to cold, typically not necessitating special frost protection measures during winter. However, if temperatures are forecasted to drop below -10°C, it becomes important to provide cold protection to the plant. This can be achieved by wrapping the trunk and branches with insulating materials such as non-woven fabric or cloth. Additionally, it is advised to water the plant abundantly before the first freeze in autumn to ensure the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state, which helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.

How many times should I water my Yellow restharrow?

The Yellow restharrow prefers deep and infrequent watering, especially when planted in pots. Since the water storage in pots is limited and the soil dries out quickly, it is recommended to soak them with a gallon of water each time. In regions with cold weather, watering is required every 3 to 5 days. The best time to water is in the morning when the soil is dry, whether the plant is indoors or outdoors. You can also check the soil inside the pot to determine if watering is necessary. If the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, it's time to water the plant thoroughly. During hot days, you may need to check the moisture daily as the pot soil can dry out quickly due to the heat. For garden plants, irrigation of the soil is necessary. In a hot climate, watering once a week is recommended. Only water when you notice the top 2 to 3 inches of soil becoming dry, both indoors and outdoors. Take into account the amount of rainfall the plant receives and avoid adding water to prevent root rot. If there is ample rainfall, additional watering may not be needed. Yellow restharrow usually grows during spring and fall. When growing outdoors, adding a 3 to 4-inch deep layer of mulch helps conserve water. Sandy soil drains faster, so plants in sandy soil require more frequent watering. On the other hand, plants in clay soil need less frequent watering, as they can go without watering for 2-3 days without developing root rot. To keep track of watering, you can mark the date on the calendar and pay attention to any drooping leaves, which could indicate the need for water.

What solutions can help Yellow Restharrow thrive in terms of sunlight?

To ensure Yellow Restharrow thrives, gradually moving plants to sunnier locations can help, aiming for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor plants, using artificial light for at least 8 hours daily can supplement natural light, with south-facing windows providing maximum sunlight exposure. Outdoors, avoid sudden changes in light intensity to prevent sunburn. Removing obstructions like pruning tree branches can help outdoor plants receive more sunlight. When transplanting is necessary, especially for smaller plants, it's best done during the plant's dormant period with careful attention to sunlight access and good drainage in the new location. It's important to note that parts of the plant that have been affected by insufficient sunlight may not recover, but increasing the light exposure will ensure new growth is healthy.

How does Yellow Restharrow react to low temperatures?

Yellow Restharrow is cold-tolerant, favoring temperatures above 15°C for optimal growth. When winter temperatures stay above -5°C, it generally maintains good health. However, if temperatures dip below -10°C, the plant may not exhibit immediate changes during the winter, but by spring, the branches might become brittle and dry, and new shoots may fail to emerge. To manage these effects, it is recommended to prune away any dead branches in spring that have not produced new leaves.

How much water does my Yellow restharrow need?

The Yellow restharrow generally needs about a gallon of water on a regular basis. For potted plants, you should water them deeply until the water starts dripping from the bottom of the pot. Then, allow the soil to dry before watering again. You can use a water calculator or moisture meter to figure out how much water you've given your plant in a week. During the flowering period, it's important to provide plenty of water, but make sure the moisture evaporates to avoid root rot. If the Yellow restharrow is planted outside and receives enough rainfall, it might not need additional watering. When the Yellow restharrow is young or newly planted, it should get 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it grows, it can survive solely on rainfall. Only when the weather is excessively hot or there is no rainfall for 2-3 weeks, you should consider watering it fully during cooler times of the day to prevent damage from heat. Additional watering will be necessary during prolonged dry periods.

What are the effects of high temperatures on Yellow Restharrow?

During the summer months, Yellow Restharrow should ideally be kept in conditions below 32°C. Exposure to temperatures exceeding 35°C can lead to the plant's leaves becoming lighter in color, tips turning dry and withered, and an increased susceptibility to sunburn. To alleviate these issues, it is advisable to trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. The plant should also be moved to a shaded location or covered with a shade cloth to protect it from the midday and afternoon sun. Ensuring the soil stays moist through watering in the morning and evening can also help mitigate the effects of high temperatures.

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

The Yellow restharrow thrives in outdoor conditions with regular rainfall, but can tolerate drier conditions. During the spring and fall, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy to support growth. Alternating between dry and moist soil conditions benefits the Yellow restharrow. However, during hot summer weather, water evaporates quickly and extra watering may be required if there is limited rainfall. In the winter, the Yellow restharrow needs less water as it goes dormant. Using a well-draining soil mixture, like terracotta, can help water evaporate faster during this period. Once the Yellow restharrow starts to leaf out and go dormant in the spring, watering can be skipped as it generally relies on fall and winter rains for survival. After the spring, encourage growth and blooming by cultivating the plant when the temperature warms up. Good drainage is essential, especially during the winter, to prevent ponding. In pots, the plant has limited root growth, so watering regularly during the summer is important. Deep soaking the entire root system once or twice a week is recommended, avoiding shallow sprinkling that only reaches the leaves. Even during dormancy, the Yellow restharrow should not be allowed to dry out completely in the fall or winter. Adequate drainage is vital to prevent the plant from sitting in water for too long, which can lead to its death in winter. Applying mulch whenever possible helps reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooming.

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