HERB-401 Lessons

Year Four, Lesson Seven 
Professions and Plants

Introduction
Ah, I can see some of you are already excited to begin and are poking around the plants on display today. Normally, I would warn you to keep your distance! While I admire your curiosity, more often than not, there are one or two plants in every lesson that can cause you harm or put you in danger. But not today! No, no, don’t be disappointed; there are still many fascinating plants in this lesson. The difference is that we will be discussing only those that are used in caring for and raising our hoofed friends like unicorns -- none of which pose any danger to magical creatures or humans. It seems even plants are wary of harming these truly innocent creatures, eh? But enough speculation, let’s look at our topic for today

Also, as happened in our last class, we have another jam-packed lesson, and I’m afraid in my haste to cover all of the creatures and plants, some details might fall through the cracks. Hence, I have added the plant profiles for all of the flora today. Please copy those profiles down, as before!

Bicorn, and Re’em, and Horses… Oh My!
In truth, we will be talking about more than just unicorns today. Because the unicorn is just one of many magical equines -- that is, a member of the horse family -- these plants apply not only to the majestic horned creature I’m sure you’re all familiar with, but also to the various breeds of winged horses as well as magical bovines like the bicorn and re’em.

Therefore, while unicorns and their brethren most certainly do not live in trees or make nests like Demiguises, there is still a wide range of plants used in their care that we can look at. If you are not yet familiar with these creatures, fear not, as most of them will be covered in Care of Magical Creatures if they have not been already.

As a brief explanation, all -- or nearly all -- horses and cow-like creatures are gentle herbivores, who chew slowly away on various plants to get nutrients. While those of you who have grown up around their non-magical counterparts may immediately think of simple plants like grass and hay, there are many more plants that these creatures eat (although, grass and hay are also acceptable). Particularly because these creatures are magical, they often need a little extra oomph in their diet, whether for extra energy for their magical biological processes or to help combat diseases. Yes, these creatures are known to self-medicate on occasion as well, though many of them are not as intelligent or accurate as the Demiguise. With the theory out of the way, let’s take a closer look at some plants.

The Munchies
In the first half of this lesson, we will focus on plants that are eaten specifically for nutritional value and energy. For reasons of time and logic, we will not be covering the more common and expected plants like bermudagrass, common bentgrass, meadowgrass, and dried hay, despite the fact that these are perfectly acceptable things to feed your winged horse or other magical creatures. These plants simply grow like the dickens -- inciting little need to study the intricacies of their care -- and are well-known enough that even a person not knowledgeable in either plants or caring for magical creatures could pick up some of this kind of feed at any creature supply store.

Additionally, if you think back to your first year of Care of Magical Creatures and your studies of the Flobberworm, you may remember that Professor Anne cautioned against feeding them iceberg lettuce, as it was a bit nutrient deficient. It’s a similar story with magical equines and bovines. For magical creatures, a diet completely made up of hay and grass is slightly lacking. What else can be safely substituted or added? Well, I’m glad you asked!

Flutterby Bush (Buddleja vere) 
Type(s) - herb, perennial.
Sunlight - partial sun.
Height range(s) - 6 feet (2 metres).
Flower colour(s) - pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, black.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 6.0 to 7.0.
Water - daily, but only lightly.
Features - iridescent foliage, Class A: Odorous.

One of the most visually breathtaking plants we are going to cover today is the Flutterby Bush. Unfortunately, this stunning European and African specimen flowers once every century, and I’m sad to say this specific one still has thirty more years until it flowers again. We do have more of them cultivated in various locales in both the greenhouses and on the grounds, but I keep meticulous records in order to track their blossoming, and sadly, none of them are due to be in bloom this year either. Interestingly, these shrubs are often planted to memorialize the date or year of important milestones, such as peace treaties, the birth of a child, or weddings. Magical equines in particular seem to favor this plant, though it is also enjoyed by bovines, and it serves not only to nourish, but also to keep their coat shiny and healthy.

The reason these plants are so coveted lies in both its beauty and its scent. When it blooms, the bush produces foliage that looks nearly indistinguishable from a kaleidoscope of butterflies. These may be all of the same coloration or of a wide variety, but I assure you that any assortment provides a stunning effect. As a note of interest, herbologists and other researchers are still unsure as to what determines the flowers’ colouration; the same bush could put out dazzling blue one year, striking pink one hundred years later, and a kaleidoscope of color the next. Something that is better studied are this plant’s leaves, which (along with the flowers) give off exquisitely tantalizing scents, magically attuned to each person’s favored smells. It likely comes as no surprise to those of you who are dedicated potioneers that the flowers (and leaves, though only as a substitution) of this plant are one of the main ingredients in Amortentia, a love potion that has similar scent-based effects. In addition to use in love potions, the leaves of the Flutterby Bush are used in many magical perfumes and their flowers are used to treat palsy.

While most of their care is listed in the plant specification above, since we have a little extra time this lesson, I would like to give you more detail. The Flutterby Bush does not take an inordinate amount of skill to grow, only patience, as you will likely only see it bloom once in your lifetime. Other than the pH and sun listed, it needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. The most important thing in terms of caring for Flutterby Bushes is to prune them regularly, despite the fact that it’s not necessary to keep it alive or healthy. You might ask why waste the time and effort, then. Let me explain. Yearly pruning causes the bush to grow new branches every year, and it is these new growths that will put out the most spectacular blooms. If you do not prune a Flutterby Bush at all, you may only see a handful of blooms upon its flowering year, and those blooms may last weeks instead of months. For best results, prune back yearly to allow it to grow, but still force new growth around the outside perimeter of the plant. It’s also wise to note that all other important pruning tips for trees and plants that you have learned so far still apply. Finally, this should go without saying, but for the love of all that is magical, please do not prune these when they are in bloom! This is likely to result in damage to the plant as well as ruin a spectacular natural phenomenon.

Parsley-Piert (Alchemilla arvensis)
Type(s) - herb.
Sunlight - partial sun, partial shade, full sun.
Height range(s) - 8 inches (24 centimetres).
Flower colour(s) - green.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 4.5 to 9.0.
Water - when dry.

Cultivated all over Europe, North America, and Northern Asia, as well as in some parts of the Andes in South America, parsley-piert may not look as stunning as the Flutterby Bush, but it is certainly just as well-liked by horse and cattle! This stubby ground cover is edible not only to creatures, but to humans as well. 

It doesn’t take much to help parsley-piert take root. It is considered a rather hardy and even aggressive weed, so be mindful of that when planting. It does prefer regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it can live through periods of drought without too much difficulty. Other than as fodder for cattle and beasts of burden, it does have a few uses of importance, particularly as a tonic that reduces the contagiousness of certain diseases and in the Cobweb Concoction when the fresh root is used.

Tagasaste (Cytisus proliferus)
Type(s) - tree, evergreen.
Sunlight - partial sun, full sun.
Height range(s) - 13 feet (4 metres).
Flower colour(s) - vivid green.
Foliage colour(s) - white.
pH - 4.0 to 7.0.
Water - when dry, but can handle slight droughts.

Found all over Australia and scattered throughout Africa, tagasaste, also known as tree lucerne, is a tasty snack for hoofed mammals. While it may be surprising to think of creatures chomping down on a spiky evergreen — I imagine your typical firs and spruces come to mind — tagasaste is actually quite different from what you might picture. Its soft leaves are nothing like the sharp bite we associate with evergreens and thus are just fine to eat! Equally important is its growth rate. It sprouts and spreads easily enough, despite the slow growth rate of trees in general. It is extremely drought tolerant, due to its complicated root system, so it need not be watered frequently. Just watch out that it doesn’t take over your plot! As the Latin name might imply, the plant can easily become invasive in the wild and, while this is not as problematic in greenhouses, it can certainly spring up where unwanted.

However, if you do find yourself with an abundance of the plant, take heart, as it can be used in a fair few remedies and refreshments. Firstly, it is often used in warming potions such as the Kindling Mixture and Bronte’s Inferno (and has even been used in the Pepperup Potion in years past). In these potions, the roots (particularly the large “sinker” roots that allow it to survive droughts) are used to achieve this effect. The plant is also used in the Animation Unction, particularly the flowers, though the shoots have similar (if slightly weaker) properties.

Yao Grass (Sortaria adventus)
Type(s) - herb, perennial.
Sunlight - full shade, partial shade.
Height range(s) - 3 feet (1 metre).
Flower colour(s) - yellow.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 4.5 to 5.5.
Water - daily.

Native to Asia, particularly at the foot of mountainous rocky regions, yao grass will twine around the ankles of people whose fates are twined together -- whether it be as combatants, romantic partners, allies, or simply two people who must meet in order to reach a milestone in their lives -- and deposit them next to each other. However, the two people must be standing in the same patch of yao grass at the same time for any effect to occur. While visitors and immigrants to the area consider it quite inconvenient to be deposited in front of a town you had no intention of visiting, nearly six miles east of your original target, witches and wizards who hearken from Asia, particularly in areas where yao grass grows in abundance, consider it quite auspicious and fortunate. However, it certainly has caused the various Eastern Ministries more than a few headaches due to the grass’s lack of concern as to who it scoops up, magical or not. 

To grow, simple regular watering will do, though as the plant profile indicates, too much sun and soil that is too alkaline are not preferable. It is most frequently cultivated in large swatches, though trends of growing patches just big enough for a small group of people to stand on opposite sides have come and gone over the centuries. These smaller patches were used as tools to determine or finalize marriages, business deals, or political treaties. As far as other uses, the flowers of yao grass enjoy popular use as a complicated tea, which, similar to Felix Felicis, leads the drinker towards their fate. A word of warning, though: you may not always like where you end up! In terms of less prominent properties, the stems are used in various depilatory potions, such as Soft ‘N’ Smooth Spray. I should note that breeders should not be concerned about their creatures being scooped up and deposited on opposite sides of the pasture; none of the aforementioned effects have been noted to extend to any creature with beast-level intelligence.

What a motley collection! Of course, that is just a small sample, though. There are dozens more plants that equines and bovines enjoy munching, including some that we have already discussed in previous lessons, like borage, dandelions, dried nettles, and muña. But no time to rest, on to the next category!

Moo-Dicine  
Now we will take a look at plants that herbivores are suspected to use to self-medicate. Though we are still not entirely sure, it is suspected that many other species engage in behaviors similar to those of the Demiguise. As a general rule of thumb for medicinal herbs and cattle, if you are raising a North American animal, it is best to grow medicinal herbs that are native there, or that are at least able to grow there naturally. The reason for this is that the animals will be more likely to instinctively search out the familiar smells and magical imprints of plants that their species has grown accustomed to over centuries of evolution. Because of this, the animals will not automatically search out the healing plants from other parts of the world, though they can be taught or trained to do so. 

Food, however, can typically be from any area of the world, as long as it is nutritious and safe. Of course, there are some people who believe in a completely purist natural environment setting. Which you prefer is up to you! In any case, onto the plants!

Fiery Rye (Secale ignis)
Type(s) - herb, perennial.
Sunlight - full sun.
Height range(s) - 4 feet (approximately 1 metre).
Flower colour(s) - red.
Foliage colour(s) - pink, red.
pH - 4.0 to 7.5.
Water - rarely, roughly every 3 weeks.
Features - Class E: Burning.

As you may be able to tell from the name, this herb is a fire plant, though it is largely considered one of the tamest and mildest of the plants in this category. Instead of actively being on fire, it only occasionally sparks and smoulders. You may be wondering how it can be consumed by cattle if it is a fire plant, even if it is a mild one. You see, after it rains, the plants smoke and sputter, and are perfectly safe to eat while live. It grows all over Australia, and cattle and horses graze on it when suffering from lethargy or attempting to recover from weakness after illness. The plant is actually mildly edible for humans, even when raw and unprocessed (though only once plucked) and has an enjoyable cinnamon taste with a mild burn. 

The plant is highly tolerant of drought periods and this only enhances its cinnamon taste along with some of its secondary properties. All in all, it is best to water it only when the soil has been dry for a few days or a week. The plant grows over many miles and makes for quite the sight in the evening sun in the Australian outback, as the sea of sparking fronds looks like a shimmering mirage.

The leaves of Fiery Rye are the only parts used, and they are utilized in simple herbal remedies to clear out the sinuses as well as cure dry skin and, rather predictably, in fire and energy potions. As a surprising twist, it is also a primary ingredient in dragon breath mints designed to tamp their incendiary tendencies for limited periods of time. Apart from potions and medicinal uses, the plant is also famously used in the process of distilling and making firewhisky.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Type(s) - herb, perennial.
Sunlight - full sun, partial sun.
Height range(s) - 1 foot (30 centimetres).
Flower colour(s) - yellow.
Foliage colour(s)  - silver.
pH - 4.0 to 9.0.
Water - regularly, roughly once a week.
Features - Class C: Toxic, Level One.

Wormwood is commonly associated with sorrow and bitterness and has been used in European and Asian potion making since potioneers have had written records. Since then, this plant has become widespread in parts of Africa and North America as well. As a note, wormwood prefers salty water, meaning that centaur tears are an inappropriate magical aid for this plant. In terms of its uses for magical creatures, it is frequently consumed by horses or cattle with parasites to rid themselves of the pests and is also eaten right after accidental poisoning with hemlock.

In terms of human uses, the leaves are commonly used in the Draught of Living Death as well as in potions for digestive issues. Both the leaves and flowers can also be used to create topical preparations for insect bites and the flowers are particularly good antidotes for poisons involving hemlock. However, if used in large quantities over time, the use of this herb is known to cause complications in kidney functions, even leading to failure. 

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Type - herb, perennial.
Sunlight - full sun.
Height range(s) - 1 foot (30 centimetres).
Flower colour(s) - pink, red, yellow, white.
Foliage colour(s)  - vivid green.
pH - 5.5. to 6.8.
Water - once a week, but drought tolerant.

While not dangerous to us, yarrow does pose some threat (via poison) to non-magical animals like sheep and horses. Fortunately, something in the biology of the magical creatures we’re focusing on in this lesson seems to protect them from these ill effects. In fact, these plants are actually used for their fever and infection diminishing properties in magical hoofed animals native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Slightly more recently, this plant has also been introduced to Australia.

The plant requires very little watering and is quite easy to grow as a wildflower -- or in some opinions, a weed. As a benefit, this plant has a number of uses and properties, including in anti-blemish creams and in Hair-Be-Here, and is also known to have some divinatory ability enhancing properties, as evidenced by its use in I-Ching, a form of divination common in China.

As before in the foodstuffs section, this is not the complete list of medicinal herbs for magical equines and bovines. They will also eat largrass, valerian, willow, wiggentree, and muña for this purpose, all of which have been covered in previous lessons.

A Final Note
Ending this topic with wormwood and yarrow, it is pertinent to discuss plants that can be dangerous to your magical creatures, though we do not have examples of them in the greenhouse today. Be aware that your creatures are not eating some of the more harmful plants in the landscape if kept free range and left to feed on nearby, naturally occurring foliage. While yarrow may not be a problem, there are much more poisonous plants that they are defenseless against, including oleander, hemlock, or foxglove.

Conclusion
I hope that the spread of plants covered today has excited and intrigued you, as well as enriched your knowledge of various professions related to herbology. Sadly, though, this is our last detailed look at how herbology helps magical creature professionals. On the brighter side, that means we are moving on to another thrilling topic next week: research! Before that, though, there is a selection of homework to complete, including another plan for breeding or raising animals in an herbological setting. 

Original lesson written by Professor Venita Wessex
Additional lesson portions written by Professor Lily Tudor
Image credits here (gif), here, here, here, here, here, here, and here