KNAWELL, or Scleranthus, L. a genus of plants comprising three species, one of which is a native of Britain; viz. the annuus, Annual Knawell, or German Knot-grass, which grows in sandy soils and corn fields; flowers in the months of July and August.
The Swedes and Germans introduce occasionally the steam arising from a decoction of the knawell into their mouths, with a view to cure the tooth-ach.—Its sweetish leaves are astringent.—Goats and sheep eat this plant, but cows totally refuse it.