unicorn root

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. The blazing-star, Aletris farinosa. The false unicorn-root is Chamælirium Carolinianum (Helonias dioica), also called devil′ s-bit and drooping starwort. Its root is difficult to distinguish from that of the former, and some medical virtues are also ascribed to it. Also unicorn's-horn.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. a name of two North American plants, the yellow-flowered colicroot (Aletris farinosa) and the blazing star (Chamælirium luteum). Both are used in medicine.

WordNet 3.0

1. n. any of several perennials of the genus Aletris having grasslike leaves and bitter roots reputed to cure colic