ASPERULA, woodruff: A genus of the mono-
gynia order, belonging to the hexandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 47th or-
der, Stellata. The corolla is infundibuliform; and the
capsule contains two globular seeds. There are two
species, the cynanchica and the odorata. Both of them
grow wild in Britain, so are seldom admitted into gar-
dens. The first is found on chalky hills. The latter is
a low umbelliferous plant, growing wild in woods and
coppices, and flowering in May. It has an exceeding
pleasant smell, which is improved by moderate exci-
cation; the taste is subaline, and somewhat austere.
It imparts its flavour to vinous liquors. Asperula is
supposed to attenuate viscid humours, and strengthen
the tone of the bowels; it is recommended in obstruc-
tions of the liver and biliary ducts, and by some in e-
pilepsies and palsy; modern practice has nevertheless
rejected it. The smell of it is said to drive away ticks
and other insects. The roots of the first are used in
Sweden to dye red.