Herbology Notes Year 1
written by elena lovett
Herbology notes for year one
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
8
Reads
1,029
Lesson 5
Chapter 3
VALERIAN
Valeriana officinalis is a perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia, although it has been introduced to North America as well over time.
Like other non-magical plants, Muggles are aware of its existence, though unaware of its full powers.
Both the roots and the sprigs of this plant can be used.
-The roots, as you likely know, are the part of the plant that grows underground and keeps the plant anchored as well as supplies the plant with water.
-The sprigs, on the other hand, grow above ground and are the part that either bear leaves or flowers.
Interestingly, in this case, each of these have different magical and non-magical properties attributed to them
CARE
Valerian can grow to be five feet tall
This plant thrives in the sun and, in best-case scenarios, requires at least seven hours of sunlight.
When planting, be sure to check that your soil is in the correct pH range for this plant, as valerian prefers soil that is quite acidic, between 4.5 and 5
Bury the seed about an eighth of an inch down.
It is best to harvest the roots in the fall or spring.
The sprigs, on the other hand, can be harvested at any time.
-Though, if you desire or require flowers on those sprigs, you will need to wait until the summertime, as these plants bloom between June and July.
USES
Valerian possesses sedative powers
ROOT
Very effective in calming draughts and sleeping potions.
There is also evidence to suggest that potions brewed with the root have some beneficial effect on those suffering from epileptic fits
In terms of non-magical properties, there is some overlap in that the roots are used on their own to promote sleep and help treat epilepsy in non-magical preparations.
SPRIGS
in a similar manner, are used in several sleeping potions.
Interestingly enough, this plant will attract cats and drive them into a frenzy, just as with catnip.
However, dogs can be repelled with it, particularly when it is made into an essential oil or brewed in a potion.
Valerian also serves to aid in issues like heart palpitations and poor eyesight.
LILLIES
The lovely lily plant comes in nearly as wide a variety as roses.
They come in an array of colors (ranging the entire foliage spectrum pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, black, and white) 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
With this in mind, true lilies grow all over Europe and Asia, and in the northern parts of North America.
CARE
They can grow anywhere between two and six feet tall and while designating them all into one type is impractical, they are all herbs, as all plants in this class are herbs.
When planting, make sure that you have placed the flower in an area where it will be able to receive between five and six hours of sunlight
Ideally with soil that has a pH balance between 5.5 and 6.5, though there is a little wiggle room outside of these margins that you can work with.
You can plant the bulbs around four to eight inches below the ground.
Water whenever you see that the soil is dry -- this is usually every three days if they are in a greenhouse away from the elements.
USES
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.
Finally, there are some potions which use small amounts of lilies in order to improve the scent of the concoction.
An interesting fact to note 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.
ASPHODEL
Actually a relative of the lily, asphodel is annual herb native to the Mediterranean but easily grown in greenhouses under the supervision of a herbologist.
Asphodelus aestivus, or summer asphodel
CARE
The plant grows between one and five feet on average be sure to plant the seeds in an area where they get at least partial sunand in roughly neutral soil. 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
USES
The uses of asphodel largely center around the roots of the plant, not the flower.
It is used in potions to make a Sticking Solution that rivals the Sticking Charm, Astrictus
Also used in strong sleeping potions such as the Draught of the Living Death.
In addition to these traditional uses, Ocamier Flinson, a renowned herbologist in the wizarding community, has discovered many others.
KNOTGRASS
Also known as cowgrass, hogweed, and many other names, Polygonum aviculare is a common perennial 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.
-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.
CARE
It is best to plant in neutral soil (around 6 to 7), and in an area that gets at least three hours of sun, though it does not matter if that is during the morning or the afternoon. Lastly, you may water nearly every day, as long as soil still absorbs water. You should have little issue with overwatering
USES
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.
GROWTH STARTING CHARM
Its effects are not instantaneous (or even close), but is much simpler and gentler on plants and causes a small “boost” in growth. However, do be warned that if you put too much willpower into the spell you can easily exhaust your plant, causing it to bloom quickly, wither, and die shortly
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
PRONUCIATION: VEER-en-es-co
WAND MOVEMENT: whirlpool motion, flick and pull up
WILLPOWER:low
CONCENTRATION: low
Valeriana officinalis is a perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia, although it has been introduced to North America as well over time.
Like other non-magical plants, Muggles are aware of its existence, though unaware of its full powers.
Both the roots and the sprigs of this plant can be used.
-The roots, as you likely know, are the part of the plant that grows underground and keeps the plant anchored as well as supplies the plant with water.
-The sprigs, on the other hand, grow above ground and are the part that either bear leaves or flowers.
Interestingly, in this case, each of these have different magical and non-magical properties attributed to them
CARE
Valerian can grow to be five feet tall
This plant thrives in the sun and, in best-case scenarios, requires at least seven hours of sunlight.
When planting, be sure to check that your soil is in the correct pH range for this plant, as valerian prefers soil that is quite acidic, between 4.5 and 5
Bury the seed about an eighth of an inch down.
It is best to harvest the roots in the fall or spring.
The sprigs, on the other hand, can be harvested at any time.
-Though, if you desire or require flowers on those sprigs, you will need to wait until the summertime, as these plants bloom between June and July.
USES
Valerian possesses sedative powers
ROOT
Very effective in calming draughts and sleeping potions.
There is also evidence to suggest that potions brewed with the root have some beneficial effect on those suffering from epileptic fits
In terms of non-magical properties, there is some overlap in that the roots are used on their own to promote sleep and help treat epilepsy in non-magical preparations.
SPRIGS
in a similar manner, are used in several sleeping potions.
Interestingly enough, this plant will attract cats and drive them into a frenzy, just as with catnip.
However, dogs can be repelled with it, particularly when it is made into an essential oil or brewed in a potion.
Valerian also serves to aid in issues like heart palpitations and poor eyesight.
LILLIES
The lovely lily plant comes in nearly as wide a variety as roses.
They come in an array of colors (ranging the entire foliage spectrum pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, black, and white) 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
With this in mind, true lilies grow all over Europe and Asia, and in the northern parts of North America.
CARE
They can grow anywhere between two and six feet tall and while designating them all into one type is impractical, they are all herbs, as all plants in this class are herbs.
When planting, make sure that you have placed the flower in an area where it will be able to receive between five and six hours of sunlight
Ideally with soil that has a pH balance between 5.5 and 6.5, though there is a little wiggle room outside of these margins that you can work with.
You can plant the bulbs around four to eight inches below the ground.
Water whenever you see that the soil is dry -- this is usually every three days if they are in a greenhouse away from the elements.
USES
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.
Finally, there are some potions which use small amounts of lilies in order to improve the scent of the concoction.
An interesting fact to note 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.
ASPHODEL
Actually a relative of the lily, asphodel is annual herb native to the Mediterranean but easily grown in greenhouses under the supervision of a herbologist.
Asphodelus aestivus, or summer asphodel
CARE
The plant grows between one and five feet on average be sure to plant the seeds in an area where they get at least partial sunand in roughly neutral soil. 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
USES
The uses of asphodel largely center around the roots of the plant, not the flower.
It is used in potions to make a Sticking Solution that rivals the Sticking Charm, Astrictus
Also used in strong sleeping potions such as the Draught of the Living Death.
In addition to these traditional uses, Ocamier Flinson, a renowned herbologist in the wizarding community, has discovered many others.
KNOTGRASS
Also known as cowgrass, hogweed, and many other names, Polygonum aviculare is a common perennial 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.
-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.
CARE
It is best to plant in neutral soil (around 6 to 7), and in an area that gets at least three hours of sun, though it does not matter if that is during the morning or the afternoon. Lastly, you may water nearly every day, as long as soil still absorbs water. You should have little issue with overwatering
USES
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.
GROWTH STARTING CHARM
Its effects are not instantaneous (or even close), but is much simpler and gentler on plants and causes a small “boost” in growth. However, do be warned that if you put too much willpower into the spell you can easily exhaust your plant, causing it to bloom quickly, wither, and die shortly
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
PRONUCIATION: VEER-en-es-co
WAND MOVEMENT: whirlpool motion, flick and pull up
WILLPOWER:low
CONCENTRATION: low
