or SULPHUR-WORT: A genus of the dignya order, belonging to the pentandra clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 45th order, Umbellata. The fruit is lobated, striated on both sides, and surrounded by a membrane; the involucra are very short. There are three species; none of which have any remarkable properties excepting the officinale, or common hog's fennel, growing naturally in the English salt marshes. This rises to the height of two feet, with channelled stalks, which divide into two or three branches, each crowned with an umbel of yellow flowers, composed of several small circular umbels. The roots, when bruised, have a strong fetid scent like sulphur, and an acrid, bitterish, unctuous taste. Wounded in the spring, they yield a considerable quantity of yellow juice, which dries into a gummy resin, and retains the strong smell of the root.

This should seem to be possessed of some medicinal virtues, but they have never been ascertained with any precision. The expressed juice was used by the ancients in lethargic disorders.