They flower in the beginning of May: the seede is soone ripe after, and then perishing downe to the roote for that yeare, springeth afresh before Winter againe.
The Names.
They are called after the Spanish name Scorsonera, which is in Latine Viperaria, of some Viperina, and Serpentina: Wee call them in English Vipers grasse, or Scorsonera.
The Vertues.
Manardus as I thinke first wrote hereof, and saith that it hath been found to cure them that are bitten of a Viper, or other such like venemous Creature. The rootes hereof being preserued with sugar, as I haue done often, doe eate almost as delicate as the Eringus roote, and no doubt is good to comfort and strengthen the heart, and vitall spirits. Some that haue vsed the preserued roote haue found it effectuall to expelling winde out of the stomacke, and to helpe swounings and faintnesse of the heart.
Chap. LXVII.
Tragopogon. Goates beard.
I must in this place set downe but two sorts of Goates beards; the one blew or ash-colour, the other red or purple, and leaue the other kindes: some to bee spoken of in the Kitchin Garden, and others in a Physicall Garden.