CULPEPER'S COMPLETE HERBAL

BASTALD WATER-FLAG

Description. This iris, that grows so common in ditches and watery places, bears leaves like the common flower de luce, only somewhat longer and narrower; the stalk rises higher, on the top of which grow three of four flowers, one above another, flowering gradually in shape like an ordinary flower de luce, only that they want the upright leaves, instead of which they have only small pieces of leaves in their places. The flowers are succeeded by large triangular seed vessels, containing three rows of flat seed. The root is long and slender, and does not run deep in the earth.

Place. It usually grows in watery ditches, ponds, lakes, and moor sides, which are always overflowed with water.

Time. It flowers in summer.

Government and virtues. It is under the dominion of the Moon. The spicy bitternesss of the root of this plant bespeaks it a strengthener of the stomach and head, and therefore may fitly be put into any composition of that intention. The root preserved may with good success be used by itself, and both the Germans and Turks are very fond of it, and reckon it a great preservative against infectious air, which makes them commonly eat a piece of the preserved root fasting. The leaves having a very grateful flavour, are, by some nice cooks, put into sauce for fish.