familyFabaceae
subfamilyFabaceae subfam. Faboideae
genusOnonis
speciesOnonis spinosa
subspeciesOnonis spinosa subsp. spinosa
Ononis spinosa subsp. spinosa
Revision as of 17:34, 12 March 2025 by imported>Volume Importer
Shrubs 10–90 cm; rhizomes absent. Stems ascending or erect; thorns present, rigid, terminating branchlets. Leaflets usually 3. Racemes lax. Flowers usually borne singly at nodes, (6–)10–20 mm; corolla pink or purple. Fruits 1–4-seeded, 6–10 mm. 2n = 30, 32 (Europe).
Phenology: Flowering early–late summer.
Habitat: Ruderal habitats (mostly on ballast, some apparently as escapes).
Elevation: 0–200 m.
Distribution
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Introduced; Ill., Md., N.J., N.Y., Pa., Eurasia, n Africa, introduced also in Pacific Islands (New Zealand), Australia.
Discussion
C. A. Stace (1997) distinguished subspp. spinosa and maritima by the former having leaflet lengths more than three times widths, the latter having leaflet lengths less than three times widths. This characteristic has some validity, but is not dependable.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.