Names. Called also flower de luce, myrtle flag, and myrtle grass.
Description. This plant is distinguished from all others, in that, among its leaves, which are much longer and narrower than the garden flower de luce, there arises one or two like the rest, only somewhat narrower, thicker and rounder towards the top, near to which come forth single juli, rarely two, in shape like the catkin of the hazel, or like long pepper, but ending more taper, and standing up obliquely from the leaf. The root is thick, full of joints, and spreads itself on the upper part of the earth, transversely, and not sinking deep in it, being full of large white fibres, increasing much, and soon taking a great deal of ground. It has a strong smell, not so pleasant while green, but growing more grateful and aromatic as it dries.
Place. It grows in several rivulets and watery places in England, as about Norwich, and in Cheshire and Surry, according to Mr. Ray; but what is used in the shops is mostly imported from abroad:
Time. It produces its catkins in July and August.
Government and virtues. Flags are under the Lunar dominion. The roots, which only are used, are hot and dry, opening and attenuating, and good for the obstructions of the liver and spleen; provoke urine and the menses, help the cholic, resist putrefaction, are useful against pestilential contagions and corrupt noxious air; are an ingredient in the theriaca and mithridate, and are outwardly used in sweet bags and perfumes.