Ex-Classics Home Page

Gerard's Herbal - Part 3

Gerard's Herbal - CHAP. 254. Of Viper's-Grass.

CHAP. 254. Of Viper's-Grass.


     

Fig. 1093. Common Viper's-Grass (1)            Fig. 1094. Dwarf Viper's-Grass (2)

The Description.

            1. The first of the Viper's-Grasses hath long broad leaves, fat, or full bodied, uneven about the edges, sharp pointed, with a high swollen rib down the middle, and of an overworn colour, tending to the colour of Woad: among which riseth up a stiff stalk, smooth and plain, of two cubits high, whereon do grow such leaves as those next the ground. The flowers stand on the top of the stalks, consisting of many small yellow leaves, thick thrust together, very double, as are those of Goat's-Beard, whereof it is a kind, as are all the rest that do follow in this present chapter: the root is long, thick, very brittle, continuing many years, yielding great increase of roots, black without, white within, and yielding a milky juice, as do the leaves also, like unto the Goat's-Beard.

            2. The Dwarf Viper's-grass differeth not from the precedent, saving that it is altogether lesser, wherein especially consisteth the difference.

Fig. 1095. Austrian Viper's-Grass (3)

Fig. 1096. Hungary Viper's-Grass (4)

            3. The broad-leaved Austrian Viper's-Grass hath broad leaves sharp pointed, uneven about the edges, of a bluish green colour: the stalk riseth up to the height of a foot or better; on the top whereof do stand fair yellow flowers, very double, greater and broader than any of the rest, of a resonable good smell. The seed followeth, long and sharp, like unto those of Goat's-Beard. The root is thick, long, and full of a milky juice, as are the leaves also.

            4. The narrow-leaved Hungary Viper's-Grass hath long leaves like to those of Goat's-Beard, but longer and narrower, among which riseth up a slender hollow stalk, stiff and smooth, on the top whereof do stand fair double flowers of a fair blue colour tending to purple, in shape like the other of his kind, of a pleasant sweet smell, like the smell of sweet balls made of benzoin. The seed is contained in small cups like those of Goat's-beard, wrapped in a downy matter, that is caried away with the wind. The root is not so thick nor long as the others, very single, bearded at the top, with certain hairy thrums yielding a milky juice of a resinous taste, and somewhat sharp withal. It endureth the winter even as the others do.

Fig. 1097. Narrow-Leaved Viper's-Grass (5)

            5. This hath leaves like those of Goat's-Beard, but stiffer and shorter, amongst which there grows up a short hollow stalk some handful high, set with a few short leaves, bearing a yellow flower at the top, almost like that of the last save one, but less, the seed is contained in such cups as the common Viper's-Grass, and being ripe is caried away with the least wind. The root is black, with a wrinkled bark, and full of milk, having the head hairy, as also the last described hath. This by Clusius is called Scorsonera humilis angustifolia pannonica.

The Place and Time.

            Most of these are strangers in England. The two first described do grow in my garden. The rest are touched in their several titles.

            They flower and flourish from May to the end of July.

The Names.

            Viper's-Grass is called of the Spaniards Scorzonera, which soundeth in Latin Viperaria, or Viperina, or Serpentaria, so called because it is accounted to be of force and efficacy against the poisons of vipers and serpents, for vipera, or a viper is called in Spanish scurzo: it hath no name either in the high or Low Dutch, nor in any other, more than hath been said, that I can read: in English we may call it Scorzoner, after the Spanish name, or Viper's-Grass.

The Temperature.

            They are hot and moist as are the Goat's-Beards.

The Virtues.

            A. It is reported by those of great judgement, that Viper's-grass is most excellent against the infections of the plague, and all poisons of venomous beasts, and especially to cure the bitings of vipers, (of which there be very many in Spain and other hot countries, yet have I heard that they have been seen in England) if the juice or herb be drunk.

            B. It helpeth the infirmities of the heart, and such as use to swoon much: it cureth also them that have the falling sickness, and such as are troubled with giddiness in the head.

            C. The root being eaten, either roasted in embers, sodden, or raw, doth make a man merry, and removeth all sorrow.

            D. The root condited with sugar, as are the roots of Eringos and such like, work the like effects: but more familiarly, being thus dressed.

Prev Next

Back to Introduction