Shepherds Needle, or Venus Comb, in botany: A genus of the digynia order, belonging to the pentandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 45th order, Umbellata. The corolla is radiating; the fruit subulate; the petals emarginated; the florets of the disc frequently male. The most remarkable species is the odorata, with angular furrowed seeds. It is a native of Germany; and has a very thick perennial root, composed of many fibres, of a sweet aromatic taste like aniseed, from which come forth many large leaves that branch out somewhat like those of fern, from whence it is named Sweet-fern. The stalks grow four or five feet high, are filiform and hairy; the flowers are disposed in an umbel at the top of the stalk, are of a white colour, and have a sweet aromatic scent.—This species is easily propagated by seeds, which, if permitted to scatter, will supply an abundance of young plants, that may be put into any part of the garden, and require no care.