Hedge Mustard.
Erisimum.
A very common wild plant, and of no great beauty; it is frequent about old walls, and in farm yards, and is distinguished by its long spikes of pods, which are lodged close upon the stalk. It grows two feet in height; the stalk is round, firm, upright, but not always quite straight, and a little branched. The leaves are of a pale green colour, hairy, oblong, and deeply indented at the edges.
The flowers are small and yellow, and they commonly stand at the tops of long spikes of pods, which have been flowers before them.
The whole plant is used, an infusion of it fresh is the best way of taking it. This dissolves tough phlegm, and is excellent in asthmas, hoarsenesses, and other complaints of the breast. This simple infusion, made into a syrup with honey, also answers the same purpose, and keeps all the year.
