Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Cloth-of-gold
The Herbs

(Crocus angustifolia) X

Powers: Understanding Animal Languages

Magical Uses: The cloth-of-gold gives the power to understand the language of birds and beasts. You must be barefooted with washed feet when gathering it, and clad in white. Offer a sacrifice of bread and wine, and pluck it tenderly. Wear the plant for these powers.