Some resemblance that the flowers of this plant hath with the former Golds, maketh me to insert it in this place, although I know it agreeth not in any other part, yet for the pleasant aspect thereof, it must bee in this my garden, whose description is as followeth: It hath many broade greene leaues spread vpon the ground, spotted with pale spots, yet more conspicuous at sometimes then at other; somewhat hairy both on the vpper and vnderside, in the middle of these leaues rise vp one, two or more blackish hairy stalkes, two foote high at the least, bare or naked vp to the top, where it beareth an vmbell, or short tuft of flowers, set close together vpon short stalkes, of the forme or fashion of the Haukeweedes, or common Mouse-eare, but somewhat smaller, of a deep gold yellow, or orenge tawney colour, with some yellow threds in the middle, of little or no sent at all: after the flowers are past, the heads carry small, short, blacke seede, with a light downie matter on them, ready to bee carried away with the winde, as many other plants are, when they be ripe: the rootes spread vnder ground, and shoote vp in diuers other places, whereby it much encreaseth, especially if it be set in any moist or shadowie place.
The Place.
It groweth in the shadowie woods of France, by Lions, and Mompelier, as Lobell testifieth: we keepe it in our gardens, and rather in a shadowie then sunnie place.
The Time.
It flowreth in Somer, and sometimes againe in September.
The Names.
It is called by Lobell, Pulmonaria Gallorum Hieratij facie: and the Herbarists of France take it to be the true Pulmonaria of Tragus. Others call it Hieratium flore aureo. Pelleterius Hieratium Indicum. Some Pilosella, or Auricula muris maior flore aureo. And some Chondrilla flore aureo. Dalechamptus would haue it to bee Corchorus, but farre vnfitly. The fittest English name we can giue it, is Golden Mouse-eare, which may endure vntill a fitter bee imposed on it: for the name of Grim the Collier, whereby it is called of many, is both idle and foolish.
The Vertues.
The French according to the name vse it for the defects of the lunges, but with what good successe I know not.