Knawell, or Scleranthus, L. a genus of plants comprising three 6pecies, one of which is a native of Britain ; viz. the annus, 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