Common Restharrow
Ononis repens
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Common Restharrow is a low, spreading, sticky-hairy plant of dune grassland with vivid pink pea-flowers — one of the most cheerful wildflowers of the Sefton Coast. The name comes from its tough, woody root system that could halt or 'arrest' a harrow (a farming implement). The stems and leaves are covered in sticky hairs and it has a pleasant, resinous smell when handled. Good for bees.
At a Glance
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Habitat | Fixed dune grassland · Calcareous grassland · Sandy rough grassland |
| UK population | Locally common on sandy, calcareous and dune grassland in England |
| Sefton Coast | Common on fixed dune grassland throughout the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Fixed dune grassland and grassy dune edges throughout Ainsdale and Formby.
Identification
Low, spreading, woody-based plant. Sticky, hairy stems. Oval leaflets. Vivid pink pea-flowers with darker veining. Root system very tough and deep.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk fixed dune grassland at Ainsdale in July. The vivid pink flowers are easy to spot. Crush a leaf gently — the resinous smell is distinctive.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Restharrow called 'rest-harrow'?
The name refers to the plant's ability to stop a harrow — an agricultural implement used to break up soil. Restharrow's deep, tough, woody root system entangles with the harrow's tines and can bring it to a halt. This property was well-known to agricultural workers historically, making Restharrow a persistent weed of arable fields before modern farming practices eliminated it from most cultivated land.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.