Spiny Restharrow (Ononis spinosa)
- There are several clumps of this beautiful plant growing on the cliff edge near the western Cleveland Way signpost, away from the footpath. There are also patches in the soil which has slid down the slope of the cliff.
- It starts as low spreading and develops into a ‘shrublet’ which flowers from June to September.
- The Spiny restharrow is generally a lowland plant and is rare in this area. It grows more upright than the non-spiny species and likes sandy, chalky, low nutrient soils.
- Its blooms are pollinated by bees. It provides plenty of nectar and pollen for them.
- It thrives alongside other meadow plant species that enjoy the same growing conditions, such as vetch, fescues, and knapweed which can all be seen on Cowbar grassland.
- 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. It’s also known as Cammock, petty-whin and stay-plough.
- The root, the flowers and the leaves have all been traditionally used as a medicinal plant for kidney and bladder problems. It contains chemicals which may help the body get rid of excess fluids by increasing urine production.
- It is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The leaves and flowers are used to make rinses and gargles for tonsilitis and compresses for slow-healing wounds and skin sores.
