The Description.
1 Thrift is also a kinde of Gillofloure, by Dodonaeus reckoned among grasses, which brings forth leaves in great tufts, thicke thrust together, smaller slenderer and shorter than grasse: among which rise up small tender stalkes of a spanne high, naked and without leaves; on the tops whereof stand little floures in a spokie tuft, of a white colour tending to purple. The root is long and threddy.
2 The other kind of Thrift, found upon the mountaines neer unto the Levant or Mediterranean sea, differeth not from the precedent in leaves, stalkes or floures, but yet is altogether greater, and the leaves are broader.
The Place.
1 The first is found in the most salt marshes in England, as also in Gardens, for the bordering up of beds and bankes, for the which it serveth very fitly. The other is a stranger in these Northerne Regions.
The Time.
They floure from May, till Summer be farre spent.
The Names.
Thrift is called in Latine, Gramen Polyanthemum, of the multitude of the floures: of some, Gramen marinum: of Lobel, Caryophyllus Marinus: in English, Thrift, Sea-grasse, and our Ladies Cushion.
The Temperature and Vertues.
Their use in Physicke as yet is not knowne, neither doth any seeke into the Nature thereof, but esteeme them only for their beautie and pleasure.