Herb. [Ref. to Psalm cxxxiii. 2.] A name popularly applied to several plants; especially the Great St. John’s wort (Hypericum calycinum), from its prominent tufts of hair-like stamens; a cultivated species of Saxifrage (S. sarmentosa) from S. Africa, and the Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Linaria Cymbalaria), from the long dependent runners which they throw over the edge of a flowerpot; also, a shrub (Spiraea salicifolia), from its dense racemes of hairy-looking flowers; and locally to other plants. Prior, Dict. Eng. Plant Names, s.v.
1549. Complaynt of Scotl., vi. 67 (1872). I sau ane erb callit barba aaron, quhilk vas gude remeid for emoroyades of the fundament.
1878. R. Thompson, Gardener’s Assist., 656/2. H[ypericum] calycinum, rose of Sharon or Aaron’s beard.
