The Woolley, or Cotton Thistle.
Description.
THis hath many large Leaves lying on the ground, somwhat cut in, and as it were crumpled on the edges, of a green colour on the upper side, but covered over with long hairy Wool or Cottony Down, set with most sharp and cruel pricks; from the middle of whose heads of Flowers come forth many pur∣plish crimson threds, and somtimes white, al∣though but seldom: The Seed that followeth in these white downy heads is somwhat large, long, and round, resembling the Seed of La∣dies Thistle, but paler: The Root is great, and thick, spreading much, yet usually dieth after Seed time.
Place.
It groweth on diverse Ditch Banks, and in the Cornfields and High-wayes, generally throughout the Land; and is often found growing in Gardens.
Time.
It Flowreth and beareth Seed about the end of Summer, when other Thistles do Flower and Seed.
Vertues and Use.
Dioscorides and Pliny write, That the Leavs and Roots hereof taken in drink, hel∣peth those that have a Crick in their Neck, that they cannot turn it unless they turn their whol Body. Galen saith, That the Root and Leaves hereof are good for such persons that have their Bodies drawn together by some Spasm or Convulsion, or other Infirmities, as the Rickets' (or as the Colledg of Physitians would have it, the Rachites, about which name they have quarrel'd sufficiently) in Children; being a Disease that hindereth their growth, by binding their Nerves, Liga∣ments, and whol structure of their Body.