Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Cross-wort

CROSS-WORT, or Mugweed, Galium cruciatum, v. Valantia, cruciata, L. an indigenous perennial plant, growing on hedge-banks, and in meadows. It produces yellow flowers which blow from May to July, and are succeeded by seeds. A decoction of this plant in wine has been recommended as an excellent vulnerary and detergent, and is said to be of great efficacy in attenuating and expectorating tough humours.—The bones of animals, fed on the roots of the cross-wort, acquire a red tinge; and wool may be dyed of a similar colour, both by the roots and leaves.