Herbs and Fungi 

                                                             GILLYWEED

Gillyweed is a rare herb native to the Mediterranean Sea, a height of 5 cm to 7 cm in soil with a pH range of 7.9–8.4 (Moderately alkaline). consumes a large amount of water, but requires little sunlight. The Gillyweed is a slimy plant, grows as in bushel, and is grey-green in colour.

Consumption of Gillyweed by a fully human being results in temporary growth of gills and webs between toes and fingers. The effect lasts for about an hour in fresh water, and up to three hours in salt water. The properties of Gillyweed include a refreshed, nourishing feeling when it is consumed, thus making Gillywater a popular drink.

                                                   VALERIAN ROOT 

                                                       (and sprigs)

Valeriana officinalis is a plant native to Europe and some of Asia, although it has migrated to North America. Muggles are aware of its existence, however many are unaware of its powers. The Valerian Root possesses sedative powers, and its sprig is used in several sleeping potions. The root is anxiolytic, thus it is also used in calming droughts and potions. , and the root itself is often worn by grooms at weddings, to ward off the envy of the elves.

Valerian may grow to be five feet, and forms bunches of attractive white flowers. At least seven hours of sun is required to keep healthy. Root division and seeding are effective ways of starting the growth of a new plant. The seed should be planted in soil with a pH level of 4.5–5.0 (very strong acid), about 1/8 of an inch down. Valerian Root ought to be harvested in the fall, or in the spring.  It is important to keep the plant out of the way of cats, who are just as attracted to the root as catnip.

                                                           KNOTGRASS

Knotgrass is known to be symbolic of the tying together of two people. Knotgrass is used in polyjuice potions to help temporarily turn one person's’ body in that of another. Knotgrass is native European forests, and is present in Hogwart's Forbidden Forest. Growing from 5cm to 4m tall,  Knotgrass has a very irregular growth pattern, perhaps due to its ability to halt the growth of animals. Besides its use in the polyjuice potion, it is also in Knotgrass mead and in some love potions. Knotgrass is used by healers to treat urinary tract infections as well as fertility issues.

Knotgrass grows wherever there is a neutral level of pH level in soil (Slight acid) 6.1–6.5 to (Neutral) 6.6–7.3, and plenty of water. The more sunlight, the faster it will grow. The height knotgrass when planted in greenhouses is highly variable, anywhere between 2 inches and 14 feet! Knotgrass flowers in the summer, with the colour varying between whites, pinks, and greens. When the flowers are done blooming, the stem must be cut below the flowering. Remember: lots and lots of water. 

                                                              DITTANY

 Dittany only grows naturally on the mountainside of Crete, Greece.  Herbologists and Healers have greenhouses full of them, with specialised conditions to mimic that of Crete's climate. Dittany aids in curing ailments of all manners, and can prevent permanent scarring, is used in several love potions, and sometimes is used as a wand core. In liquidized form dittany is brown in colour. In order to properly use Dittany, it must be diluted. This usually occurs in the liquidizing process. 

It grows 20 cm to 30 cm in height, and requires warmth and sunlight . Its Latin name is origanum dictamnus, and its closest relation is dictamnus albus, which is also referred to as Burning Brush or White (False) Dittany. Dittany, grows in soil with an average pH level of (Neutral) 6.6–7.3. To grow dittany, one must use a greenhouse in order to control conditions. Keep the temperature in the greenhouse at an even temperature of 13 degrees Celsius. Seeds should be lightly covered by soil, and then sprinkle lightly with water. Wait until the soil feels dry to water the Dittany. It is alright to accidentally give it too much water, as long as you let it dry out before adding more again.