HERB-501 Lessons

Year Five, Lesson Six
Preview of Dangerous and Difficult Plants

Introduction

Hello again. It’s so nice to see all of you back and fresh after your midterms. As I’m sure you’re getting accustomed to, we are covering some incredibly dangerous plants today. Fortunately none that see you as a snack, but we do have some that could barbeque you if not careful! In some good news, in addition to covering the obligatory plants and definitions, we will also be covering a few handy spells for you to add to your repertoire both in and outside of the greenhouse. Let’s get started, shall we?

Definition of Fire Plants

This should be an easy one! Fire plants are simply plants that catch or generate fire without being consumed. Blasting an azalea with Incendio does not make a fire plant, no matter how many former students have tried to debate with me on technicalities. But before we move on, we have one more point to touch on. There are actually a few different categories or classes of fire plants, which means, you guessed it: more definitions! I know Herbology has quite a lot of these to study, but these myriad of categories and classes are a necessity; they are how humans make sense of the world around them.

Dormant

First we have fire plants that are classified as “dormant.” Usually these plants will only “flare” (or produce a burst of heat and/or flame) as self-defense, to reproduce, or to attract an animal that helps with dispersion. The flare can be of varying strengths, so some dormant plants are essentially harmless, while others are quite troublesome. However, when a dormant plant is not “flaring”, it may not produce any heat at all.

Low-Grade

The air around these plants will be noticeably warm. A low-grade plant may not always be actively on fire, but it may spark at random intervals unlike a dormant one. Also, keep in mind that this class of plants does not preclude larger or more purposeful flares when touched, moved, or pruned. Plants in this category are restricted only to those that cause first and second degree burns upon skin contact.

High-Grade

These plants are typically uncomfortable even to stand near. They may be actively on fire at all times, though it is not a requirement to be in this group. They may also be unable to be permanently extinguished. Most importantly, direct skin contact with these plants, for any amount of time, will cause third degree burns. Fortunately, I hear that Professor Penrose has covered the various levels of burns in his class during your Third Year, so we can move on!

Fuel For The Fire

Next, we venture off into the world of plant care for flora that could, at one point or another, be on fire. The most frequent question I get is how to water them! While we will be covering each plant’s care in detail later, the short answer is that watering these plants does not hurt them at all. Dormant plants will have no negative reaction, as they are unlikely to be actively on fire at the time of watering, and low-grade and high-grade ones will simply hiss and smoke. Depending on the intensity of the flames and the amount of water you’re giving the plant, you may not even put them out. If you do, don’t worry. The plant will begin to spark and flare again as soon as it has dried out.

Additionally, as you will see, there are even some fire plants that do not need to be watered. After all, just like carnivorous plants or Fuelshia flowers, many magical plants get their nutrients elsewhere.

Playing With Fire

How to deal with a fire plant, to some degree, depends on the rating or category it falls under (dormant, high-grade, etc). However, the general ideas are the same, and it doesn’t hurt to be safe rather than sorry. To avoid burns and accidentally setting things on fire, there are a few tools already in your arsenal and one or two I can add. 

First of all, wear your dragonhide gloves. At this point, I’m sure you can tell that’s the unspoken first rule of dealing with any plant. They may not be enough to protect you from some of the hottest high-grade plants if you accidentally touch them, but it’s better than nothing. Secondly, take a moment to take stock of all water-based enchantments you know. You can conjure water from thin air, you can move water from the nearby buckets, you can cast Aguamenti, the Ebublio Jinx, or even the Water Jet Jinx if you need a bit more coverage. I understand that the latter two have not been covered in your education yet, so I have provided you with the spell details on the board. It may take you a few attempts.

This spell, which surrounds the target in a sturdy bubble of water, is quite handy for smaller, dormant or low-grade plants. High-grade plants have a tendency to simply evaporate the water bubble due to the immense heat they generate.

This spell can produce anything from a small dribble to a rushing torrent, so be careful to hone your willpower to the exact amount you want. You will likely want to use this spell’s more aggressive water output for high-grade fire plants. 

In addition, charms of snow and ice can also come in handy, such as The Cooling Enchantment or The Chilling Charm¹ as well as the stronger Freezing Spell. Glacius, the Freezing Spell, provides a blast of ice strong enough to keep even the most powerful high-grade fire plants in check, at least temporarily. As such, don’t use it without reason! The spell can affect a wide area, and casting it on a more delicate plant will result in its death.

Scorched Sprouts

Now we can finally get to the stars of the lesson! As we go over these plants, you’ll notice there is quite a range. Some of these plants are cute little sparkers (though they’ll still give your fingertips a burn if not wearing dragonhide gloves), while others are terrifying infernos. Our first falls somewhere in the middle of this spectrum.

Cindergrass (Agrostis sporadium) 

Type(s) - herb, perennial.
Sunlight - partial sun to full sun.
Height range(s) - 3 feet.                                                
Flower colour(s) - N/A                                                         
Foliage colour(s) - golden.
pH - 5.0 to 8.5.
Water - periodically, every 2 weeks.
Features - Class E: Burning, drought tolerant.

Native mainly to the west coast of North America, stretching from the United States down into Mexico and the very tip of some Central American countries, this plant’s existence has become quite contentious during recent years. Cindergrass, being a low-grade fire plant, often spontaneously sparks for no reason whatsoever, which can be a serious issue in periods of drought with many dry plants surrounding it. While the Cindergrass emerges unscathed, non-magical plants are not so fortunate. This species is responsible for numerous brush fires, particularly in the United States. Various factions are still locked in heated debates about whether the plant should be eradicated from this area, as it has proven incredibly difficult to monitor and control. 

On a more positive note, this grass can be harvested year round and is a crucial source of heat and energy to power some magical appliances, due to the frequency and ferocity with which it sparks. It is also used in Transmutation Tonics, which are able to temporarily change a target’s composition, such as turning wood into metal or plastic into glass. 

To harvest any part of the plant, you may either cast a Severing Charm and extinguish any residual flames with water, or you may instead put out the flames with water and snip the segments off by hand. However, while doing so, you should be sure to cast a milder Cooling Enchantment-- in order to keep it from sparking again -- which can certainly be tricky to do simultaneously.

Fireweed (Heracleum ignis)

Type(s) - herb, perennial.
Sunlight - full sun.
Height range(s) - 2 feet.
Flower colour(s) - red.
Foliage colour(s) - red.
pH - 7.0 to 8.5.
Water - frequently, keep soil moist.
Features - Class E: Burning, fall bloom.

Found in Southern Asia and Northern Africa, fireweed is my personal favourite fire plant. It is a milder low-grade plant and makes up a large percentage of many fire-breathing creatures’ diets, including various firebirds like the phoenix, bennu, or fenghuang, and is even a starvation plant for dragons; it is one of the few plants they can eat when normal food sources are otherwise scarce. Interestingly, this is not the only creature-related use that this plant enjoys. The aforementioned bennu, a majestic firebird found predominantly in Egypt, prefers to make its nests out of this material, as it insulates quite nicely. It also makes excellent hand warmers.

Now, onto the plant itself. Fireweed grows close together in small clumps, which makes it difficult to avoid jostling another nearby specimen when trying to harvest. When touched (unless very, very lightly) this plant flares slightly, which can be a nasty surprise for the untrained herbologist. The same applies when using a Severing Charm. The best method I have found is multi-step. First, surround all nearby plants with the Ebublio Jinx, so their flares do not break through the water barrier and set your robes on fire. Second, tuck your sleeves into your dragonhide gloves to prevent any small sparks igniting your clothing, and firmly grasp the plant where you would like to make the cut. Once you have extinguished the first spark from contact, without removing your hand from the plant, cast the Severing Charm directly above where you are gripping the plant. This should avoid causing the plant to flare a second time.

Alternatively, you can use combination spellcasting -- specifically concurrent -- to perform a Severing Charm and one of the water charms simultaneously to avoid the flare that will occur on contact. No matter how tempting it may be, be sure not to use the Freezing Spell on this plant, as it is far too delicate and it will immediately die, losing its properties. 

These properties come from the fact that the plant retains its heat producing qualities (though fortunately not its tendency to flare) even after being separated from the rest of the plant. In addition to its uses in caring for magical creatures and providing warmth, it is utilized in a number of cleaning products, including Grossling’s Glass Cleaner, Mrs. Skower’s All-Purpose, Magical Mess Remover, and Professor Perry’s Piscatorial Polish.

Fire Seed Bush (Sylva flamma)

Type(s) - shrub, bush.
Sunlight - moonlight to full sun.
Height range(s) - 20 feet.
Flower colour(s) - N/A.
Foliage colour(s) - N/A.
pH - 4.5 to 9.0.
Water - N/A.
Features - Class E: Burning, drought tolerant.

Mysteriously found scattered all over the world with little rhyme or reason, Fire Seed Bushes have a fair bit of mythology to them among magical folk. They are often found underground in caves or tunnels, though it is unclear why, as there is no indication that Fire Seed Bushes prefer this as a habitat. Most herbologists (and magihistorians) theorize they must have been deliberately planted in these locales, but for this to have happened on such a large scale is intriguing. As this plant will burn eternally unless completely destroyed and dug up, many of these cave-dwelling specimens are hypothesized to be hundreds of thousands of years old. Much like the Scorchflower, which we’ll discuss momentarily, these ancient plants don’t seem to need sun or water like most other plants do. They do, however, require soil, though the pH range is wide. Growing a new one is quite the tricky task, as it requires handling the hottest seed in the world, but caring for an already established one is as easy as falling asleep.

Harvesting falls somewhere in the middle. These high-grade fire plants are very uncomfortable to be around for long periods of time. In fact, not only can they not be touched by bare skin (without disastrous consequences), but an actively burning plant is also dangerous if touched while wearing dragonhide gloves. First, you must perform a strong Freezing Spell and give the plant time to cool down all the way. Next, before the plant re-ignites (typically within a half hour, though it depends on the size of the plant), remove the seed inside the plant via the Severing Charm, while simultaneously casting the Levitation Charm. It’s not the end of the world if you drop it momentarily, but it’s best to avoid accidental fires. To allow the seed the chance to cool, you will need to keep it aloft for at least a quarter hour (or until it stops emitting smoke) at which point it can be safely submerged in cool water, placed in a stone bowl, or planted, if attempting to grow another Fire Seed Bush. As you can see, the one I have here is quite young and therefore quite small. It is thought that these plants can actually reach monstrous heights (despite being classified as a bush or shrub), though because all of the oldest specimens are currently in caves, and therefore had their growth limited, we cannot be sure.

You may be wondering why I only mentioned harvesting the seeds of this plant. This is because it is the only useful part of the bush, and indeed the only part at all aside from its scraggly branches. These seeds are used to significantly increase the strength of a fire, as a flavouring in ice cream, and as a key ingredient in the Lionhart Cure, which is the only known method of defense against Djinn Ghouls. It is also an ingredient to the Antidote to Uncommon Poisons, which you may recall from some weeks ago.

Glowcap (Agaricus lumen)

Type(s) - fungus.
Sunlight - partial shade to full shade.
Height range(s) - 6 inches.
Flower colour(s) - N/A.
Foliage colour(s) - N/A.
pH - 6.5 to 7.5.
Water - N/A.
Features - Class E: Burning.

Now, before we go any further, I must be forthcoming. Mushrooms are not plants. Indeed, they are fungi! However, despite their differences -- and technicalities -- Glowcaps hold an honorary place in the W.H.I.P.S. Class E: Burning category. Specifically, these are dormant fire plants. 

These mushrooms are found all over the Americas, though they were originally native only to both South America and parts of Central America. Their trademark glow is not due to bioluminescence in the normal sense, but instead due to the fire lying dormant inside them. They are one of the mildest fire plants, even among their dormant brethren, as they do not flare at any time, though their glow may increase or decrease periodically. 

To harvest, simply pluck them from the ground, but do get your fingers as close to the base of the plant as possible so as not to waste it. They are only vaguely warm to the touch and, therefore, they are the only plants we’ve discussed today that are safe to handle with bare hands.

When it comes to uses, first and foremost, Glowcaps are an excellent addition to recipes needing a little spice. These little things provide quite the kick! More magically, these fungi are used to create the Absorption Solution, which is able to quickly absorb any liquid spills and leave you with a harmless and easy-to-dispose-of gelatinous blob. Finally, Glowcaps do have a few medicinal uses, including its use in Flu Fixer, stomach soothing solutions like the Glowcap Gastric Jelly, and Dragon-Tamers’ Heartburn Relief.

Pyroberries (Pyracantha ignifolia)

Type(s) - shrub, annual.
Sunlight - partial shade to full sun.
Height range(s) - 6 feet.
Flower colour(s) - white.
Foliage colour(s) - vivid green.
pH - 5.0 to 8.0.
Water - frequently, especially in summer months, keep moist.
Features - Class E: Burning, spring and summer flowers.

Found all across Europe and Asia, Pyroberries are actually a dormant plant despite their foreboding name. The plant, like the Glowcap, does not flare other than when the berry’s outer skin (which is quite tough) is pierced. These plants are most troublesome to native animals who look for them trying to get a quick snack and instead end up with a very burnt mouth. To harvest the berries, it is recommended to remove them gently from the stem by hand rather than with sharp objects or the Severing Charm, as there is a much lower chance of explosions.

Obviously, when a plant is named specifically for its berries, you can tell their importance. The actual berry of the Pyroberry is quite versatile, enjoying use as a medieval projectile weapon when combined in great numbers and employment in a number of prank products that require explosions -- like fireworks and exploding wands -- and their juice is the main ingredient in the potion that coats the cards in exploding snap. As far as potion uses, it is a primary ingredient in Softening Solutions. When storing, be sure to avoid vials with an Unbreakable Charm in place, as the resulting fallout of an accidentally exploded pyroberry in a contained space can get pretty nasty!

Scorchflower (Flos combustum)

Type(s) - herb, annual.
Sunlight - moonlight to full sun.
Height range(s) - 1 foot.
Flower colour(s) - N/A.
Foliage colour(s) - N/A.
pH - N/A.
Water - N/A.
Features - Class E: Burning, unknown.

I have here a tiny “cutting” of a Scorchflower, painstakingly obtained from a dear friend from Ouagadou a few years back. They grow natively only in Africa and, as they produce no seeds or pollen, are difficult to propagate elsewhere, though as you can see it is not impossible. As you may be able to guess just from looking at it, the Scorchflower is not actually a flower at all. Many argue that it is not even a plant. However, it remains classified as one simply because no one knows what else it could be².

Yet more questions abound when one asks how to grow one, as this high-grade fire plant technically is an annual whose blooms last a year. In most cases, the plant grows back anyway -- with no intervention, fertilizing, water, or sunlight on your part -- just as a normal plant that reseeds itself does. The most widely accepted theory is that Scorchflowers thrive on magical energy, though they consume very little of it at a slow rate. Thus, a garden containing a Scorchflower -- or even more than one -- is a mark of pride among African witches and wizards, indicating that your household is brimming over with magical energy, ability, and talent. 

The flames of this plant, for lack of a better term, always take the form of a flower, though the type of flower changes from one plant to the next. As an example, the plant I got my cutting from looked like a daisy -- quite a bit different from this. However, this discrepancy doesn’t matter, as you cannot harvest the leaves, petals, or stem… mostly because it does not have any. Attempting to sever this petal here would just heat up your pruning shears or cause the fire forming that part of the plant to waver for just a moment as the Severing Charm passes through it. The only way to actually harvest a part of this plant is by lopping it off with the Freezing Spell. This same method is used for taking a small “cutting” (or part of a plant used for asexual reproduction) that you wish to grow elsewhere. It matters very little where you put it, as normal growing conditions such as soil, sun, and water are not necessary.

Why would anyone want to harvest parts of this plant other than to show off, you ask? There are actually a few unique uses that have been discovered so far. As the plant shows no indication it needs soil, these flaming flowers can be left burning in potion and alchemy labs, as they offer very specific amounts of heat which can be adjusted very predictably by casting spells into the centre of the plant. Additionally, this fire is used to create spectacular fireworks displays and other flame-related magical items.

Sparkmoss (Leptostomum cinis)

Type(s) - moss, perennial.
Sunlight - moonlight to full shade.
Height range(s) - 1 inch.
Flower colour(s) - N/A.
Foliage colour(s) - green.
pH - 4.0 to 6.0.
Water - frequently, whenever soil is dry.
Features - Class E: Burning.

Hailing from Australia, Sparkmoss is a delightful low-grade fire plant often mistaken for fireflies. The spore capsules (little rounded pods that grow up out of the moss on stalks) appear when the plant is ready to reproduce and, as an added bonus, are very gently on fire. They spark intermittently, forming mesmerizing patterns, waves, ripples , and more.

To harvest a chunk of moss, simply water the plant and apply the Freezing Spell to prevent further flares until your work is done. Then, use shears, the Severing Charm, or even your own two hands (in dragonhide gloves!) to separate the desired portion.

In potioneering, particularly in the Bush, Sparkmoss enjoys many uses. Firstly, it is the primary ingredient in both the Buoyancy Brew and the popular, pre-made home defense system, Ward-in-a-Bottle. Secondly, its heat-providing properties are used in potions to fend off both the chill and arthritis. Finally, it is also used by many native fauna as nesting material.

Closing

That’s quite the list of fire plants to add to your repertoire, and let’s not forget Fiery Rye, which we covered last year! There are many others, like the Hotacinth, Blazeberries, the Smokedrop, and Emberwood that we don’t have time to get to today. Good Godric, the world of plants is vast! Do be careful on your way out, and I will see you next week to introduce you to yet more magical plants.

Footnotes

1. Due to the fact that the Chilling Charm you learned in First Year in Charms class is a dynamic spell and needs to be constantly maintained, you may wish to opt for one of the other spells, which allow you to have your hands (and concentration) free.

2. One other theory is that the very first Scorchflower was the result of casting Gubraithian Fire on a highly magical flower, and the rest have been propagated from the original.

Original lesson written by Professor Venita Wessex

Image credits here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here