Ononis repens, the common restharrow, is a flowering plant species in the bean family Fabaceae.
[3] It is found by the sea shore, on cliffs and dunes and is also common in grasslands and dry hill pastures in chalk or limestone areas, over light, well-drained soils.
[4][7] Like other species in the order Fabales, Ononis repens fixes nitrogen into soil from the air, promoting the growth of other plants.
A liquorice flavour drink can be made by soaking the roots in cold water, and historically the young shoots have been used as a vegetable, boiled or in salads.
[4] The English common name 'restharrow' comes from the plant's propensity to stop horse-drawn farming implements, with its hard, woody roots.