Silverweed
- spreads like a weed
- Potentilla anserina, also called Argentina anserina, is green on the top and silvery on the underside of the leaves, due to the very fine whitish hairs that grow there,
- produce a single, yellow flower that grows on a stalk.
- silverweed is not terribly picky and will grow well with little encouragement
- plant in soil that is very mildly alkaline, or just a bit over 7 on the pH scale
- amount of sun does not impact this plant’s growth much
- water this plant frequently and do not need to worry much about overwatering
- be sure to wait to gather the herb when the weather is dry
- properly dry a plant, both Muggles and magical folk alike prepare their plants by hand, gathering and hanging in dry, often heated areas
- discuss a drying charm at the end of the lesson
- non-magical methods are just as effective and are perfect substitutes if you are unable to perform it for any reason..
- this hairy, silver plant can ward off witches, it is commonly used in potions
- only used in its dried form and is often ground up into a powder
- great effect in both Sore-Removing Serums and potions to ease various cramps.
- some current research shows a possibility that these blooms could be used in blemish-removing potions
- side effect of fusing all one’s teeth together
- The plant is edible and is often a staple in the diets of grazing livestock of all kinds.

Motherwort
- Leonurus cardiaca, a relative of the mint family
- reaches between two and three feet when fully grown and has hardy root networks
- is native to the southerly regions of Europe and Asia
- quite aggressive
- really aren’t many requirements for growing it
- happy in shade or sun, wet or dry conditions,
- any pH level of soil, as non-ideal levels are only a mild deterrent.
- choose to grow their motherwort in less-than-ideal conditions
- slightly alkaline soil (from 7.4 to 7.8)
- remove it, the entire plant must be pulled up by the roots
- the herb and flowers are used in potions to aid with and spur childbirth, and is safe to use in the late stages of pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding
- often times pregnant and nursing women are limited in what potions they can safely take
- heart-related issues stemming from anxiety and heart disease
- remedies for hydrophobia, also known as rabies

Nettle
- another weed
- another hairy plant, though you will not find these hairs very appealing
- leafy green nettle are covered in tiny, stinging hairs that pack quite a nasty punch for their small size
- some variations of nettles are hairless
- commonly found in Northern Europe and Asia, though is also present in Southern Europe, South Africa, and Australia
- Urtica dioica grows voraciously and can reach between three and seven feet in height
- prefers moist soil
- slightly alkaline soil (ranging between roughly 7.1 to 7.8) will improve the plant’s ultimate height, health, and rate of growth
- anything between full sun and partial shade
- wear your dragonhide gloves when tending
- If gathering nettle to be dried, it is best to do so in the early summer (between May and June) before the plant puts out its flowers (whose appearance vary by subspecies of nettle)
- if you will be drying nettles, make sure to gather the plants on a dry day, with no dew on them
- plant itself is used most frequently in potions, though occasionally its vivid yellow roots are utilized as well
- used as an ingredient in the Cure for Boil
- dried nettles are used in the Herbicide Potion
- leaf and stem of the nettle include various nettle-based beverages, such as wine and tea and aid respiratory function and are used in hair tonics
- roots find use in the rather obscure Curdling Concoctio
- it bears mentioning that this plant has been used historically for healing uses including the Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm

Fluxweed
- Also called flixweed or tansy mustard, this plant is in fact a member of the mustard family
- opped with yellow flowers in the summer, specifically July and August
- native to Western Asia, but spread across that landmass to the rest of Asia and parts of Europe
- Descurania sophia grows roughly between ten and thirty inches tall and prefers full sun
this plant likes dry conditions
- has a pH that is suitable for plant growth in general, which is between 4.5 and 9
- aiding in everything from transformations, such as in the dreadfully complex Polyjuice Potion, to potions for dysentery or, more commonly, diarrhea
- typically used fresh for higher potency
- seeds can also be used, dried or raw, in the Thirst-Quenching Quaff.

Magic Moisture Removal
- Many of the plants covered today require drying to tap into particular properties
The Dehumidifying Spell -- not to be confused with the Quick Drying Charm you’ll learn in your Third Year of Charms class -- will completely remove moisture from the air in the area you cast on
- few safety concerns surrounding casting
- place the herb you wish to dry inside, make sure the container is sealed and cast the spell
just a tap on the container
- larger the container, the more willpower required,
- For large quantities and larger spaces, it may take the spell a few hours to nearly a day to take effect

Incantation: Arfacua
Pronunciation: AR-fah-COO-ah
Wand movement: Tap on the object
Willpower: Ranging from Low to High
Concentration: Low