Description. It groweth up with brownish, small, round stalks, two feet high, and sometimes more; having thereon many narrow and long dark green leaves' generally plain on the edges, and are sometimes, though very rarely, found with white strakes or spots thereon; the stalks are divided towards the top into many small branches, bearing thereon small yellow flowers, all which are turned one way; these, being ripe, are succeeded by a kind of down, which is carried away by the wind. The root consists of many small fibres, which grow but a little beneath the surface of the ground; it liveth for some years, shooting forth new branches yearly, which perish at the approach of winter.
Place. It grows in the open places of woods and coppices, both in moist and dry grounds, in many parts of this kingdom.
Time. It flowereth about the month of July.
Government and virtues. Venus claims dominion over this herb. It is spoken of by Arnoldus de Villa Nova as a most excellent remedy for the stone in the reins and kidnies, as also to expel the gravel by urine. The decoction of the herb, either green or dry, or the distilled water thereof, is very effectual for inward bruises, likewise for staying the floodings of the body, as fluxes of humours, bloody fluxes, and the immoderate menses of women; and is most available in all ruptures or burstings, being internally or externally applied. It is a sovereign wound-herb, whereby green wounds and old ulcers are speedily cured; it is of particular efficacy in all lotions for sores and ulcers in the mouth, throat, or privities, of either sex. A decoction is serviceable to fasten the teeth when loose.