Roots and Shoots (Valerian):
- Valeriana officinalis is a plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, although it has been introduced to North America as well over time
- Muggles are aware of its existence, though unaware of its full powers
- roots and the sprigs
- each of these have different magical and non-magical properties attributed to them
- grow to be five feet tall and forms bunches of attractive white flowers
- thrives in the sun
- at least seven hours of sunlight
- prefers soil that is quite acidic, between 4.5 and 5, and bury the seed about an eighth of an inch down
- harvest the roots in the fall or spring
- desire or require flowers on those sprigs, you will need to wait until the summertime, as these plants bloom between June and July.
- Valerian possesses sedative powers, and, when speaking specifically of the root, it is very effective in in calming draughts and sleeping potions
- potions brewed with the root have some beneficial effect on those suffering from epileptic fits
- this plant will attract cats and drive them into a frenzy, just as with catnip
- dogs can be repelled with it, particularly when it is made into an essential oil or brewed in a potion
- exists a Mediterranean plant that goes by the common name “red valerian,” but it is not part of the same genus and does not share very many of the same properties or uses
- overlap in that the roots are used on their own to promote sleep and help treat epilepsy in non-magical preparations

Accommodating Asphodel:
- Actually a relative of the lily, asphodel is native to the Mediterranean but easily grown in greenhouses under the supervision of a herbologist
- Asphodelus aestivus
- The plant grows between one and five feet on average
- is very common in the wild of its native area.
- be sure to plant the seeds in an area where they get at least partial sun
- A pH balance of 6 to 6.5 is preferable, but due to the alkalinity of Mediterranean soil in some areas, a higher level is likely fine!
- this plant is rather easy to grow as long as you do not overwater it
- has soil that can drain (like a pot with a hole in the bottom) and water only when the soil is visibly dry.
- uses of asphodel largely center around the roots of the plant, not the flower
- potions to make a Sticking Solution that rivals the Sticking Charm, Astrictus, and is also used in strong sleeping
- potions such as the Draught of the Living Death
- Those that have become widely accepted include the use in controversial skin-lightening potions and in potions to aid regrowing skin, though only the first shoots of the plant should be harvested for this purpose.

A Lily by any Other Name:
- lily plant comes in nearly as wide a variety as roses, which we discussed last week
- blue and purple to white and yellow and can be one of many different shapes
- True lilies come from the genus (or scientific classification) of Lilium, and grow from bulbs, despite the fact that
- many other plants are called lilies, though don’t fit this category.
- “lily” in their common titles are not lilies. This includes plants like daylilies, water lilies, peace lilies, and lilies of the valley
- true lilies grow all over Europe and Asia, and in the northern parts of North America
- between two and six feet tall
- placed the flower in an area where it will be able to receive between five and six hours of sunlight, and ideally with soil that has a pH balance between 5.5 and 6.5
- plant the bulbs around four to eight inches below the ground
- when the season turns towards winter, and the leaves of the lily die off and wilt, make sure to let them finish the process and fall off naturally, rather than prune them
- best known for their poisonous uses
- shouldn’t be eating any *Poisons you*
- highly poisonous to cats and Kneazles, so be wary of where your pets are wandering.
- lilies can be used in conjunction with other ingredients to regulate heart rate and some roots can be made into a paste to treat burns
- overall is that lilies appear to react extraordinarily well with magic, and can even be stimulated to faster or even more luscious growth via magic
- No, there is no spell that can completely substitute good, old-fashioned elbow grease and care, but there are an assortment of spells that can help, one of which we will discuss at the end of this lesson.

Tying it all Together (Knotgrass):
- Also known as cowgrass, hogweed, and many other names, Polygonum aviculare is a common weed found all over the globe.
- it will grow nearly as much as allowed; in prime conditions it can grow up to six feet or be just a few inches tall if the area is more inhospitable
- the plant blooms in May and can continue to sport these little white flowers (though occasionally flowers can be red or pink) until the fall.
- specifications for planting are not terribly exact due to its ability to thrive in a large range of climates, soil specifications, and levels of sunlight
- it is best to plant in neutral soil (around 6 to 7), and in an area that gets at least three hours of sun
- You should have little issue with overwatering! (hardy plant)
- present at weddings, particularly in ages past, knotgrass is known to be symbolic of the unification of two people
- knotgrass mead is consumed at weddings as a nod of recognition to this old tradition
- Knotgrass is a key ingredient in Polyjuice Potion, which allows a person to temporarily take the form of another.
- Apart from its more illicit uses, knotgrass is used in Shortening Solutions and potions that de-age

Helpful Hocus Pocus:
- the Growth-Starting Charm was developed by Calla Evora in the early 1900s
- invented by Brazilian housewitch
- This spell may be a bit beyond you at the moment, but with some practice you will be able to get some results from it. It is weaker than its cousin, the Herbivicus Charm, and its effects are not instantaneous (or even close), but is much simpler and gentler on plants and causes a small “boost” in growth
- be sure to adjust your care for the plant accordingly. Because the spell accelerates their growth, they may need more frequent pruning, watering, and/or application of dragon dung (or other compost) in the following week or two.
- This spell often works best on plants that grow from bulbs, due to the fact that they store up a large amount of resources and can handle a sudden growth spurt a bit better

Incantation: Virenesco
Pronunciation: VEER-en-es-co
Wand Movement: Whirlpool motion, then flick to pull up
Willpower: Low
Concentration: Low