Rest-harrow

Rest-harrow (Ononis), a genus of plants of the natural order Leguminosæ, sub-order Papilionaceæ, having a 5-cleft bell-shaped calyx, the standard of the corolla large and striated, the keel beaked, the pod turgid and few-seeded. There are many species, chiefly natives of Europe, and generally herbaceous or half-shrubby. The Common Rest-harrow (O. arvensis) is abundant in pastures and by waysides in Britain. Its lower leaves have three leaflets, the upper are simple; the flowers are axillary and rose-coloured, or occasionally white. The plant is half-shrubby, with somewhat spiny stems; viscid; and its smell strong and unpleasant. The roots are tough and woody, whence its English name. It is sometimes a troublesome weed, but only in neglected pastures, and disappears before careful cultivation.