Greenhouse #2 Lesson
As we already said, we're continuing with the common herbs in Greenhouse 2 as well!
Hydrangea
The Hydrangea is actually a type of flower, pretty common in Great Britain though it can be found anywhere in the world. It has very large green leaves and a large yellow-ish flower, so it really looks like a flower that has grown up to be a bush. They're soft like a pillow and since they grow in groups they form what resembles a flower bed, which is quite enjoyable to lay on.
Knotgrass
Knotgrass is a very small green plant with many thin leaves, and the reason why it has that name is because it blends with grass - it's really hard to spot it, and it often ties into a knot due to its many branching leaves. It's usually found in woods, and the Forbidden Forest has a lot of it. Knotgrass has magical properties and threfore it is used for potion-making. For instance, we know that it is an essential ingredient of the Polyjuice Potion, though certain beverages such as Knotgrass mead are made out of it as well.
Leaping Toadstool
Although these look like regular mushrooms, they're actually magical and have the ability to jump, hence that name. They're white with a red top, and they are a common potion ingredient.
Lichen
Lichen are actually a symbiosis of at least two different organisms, one of which is a fungus, while the other one can be a green alga or a cyanobacterium. The symbiosis happens when the second partner (or partners) live nearby the fungus and are able to do photosynthesis, which automatically starts the symbiosis process. Lichens are used in potion-making, though they have found their use in perfumes such as Lowdour as well.
Lovage
Lovage also goes under the name of 'Levisticum officinale', and it looks similar to celery, whose fruits and seeds are used in cooking. Unlike celery, lovage is used for medicinal purposes, especially to relieve digestion. On the other hand, it is also useful for inflaming the brain so it is used as an ingredient in various Confusing Potions and Befuddlement Draughts.
Mallowsweet
This is a small and fragile violet flower which along with Sage are herbs that Centaurs use to refine the results of their stargazing by observing the fumes and flames of a herb set on fire.
Mistletoe
This herb doesn't have any magical properties but it is still widely used as a decorative element, especially during Christmas time. It is a parasitic herb with white berries and it blends really good with other Christmas decorations.
Moondew
Moondew is a flowering plant with a very interesting form, and it was only in the Middle Ages that its magical properties were discovered. Druidess Cliodne was the one who discovered its use in liquid form, and since then it became an essential ingredient in certain potions like Wiggenweld Potion and the Draught of Living Death. The herb is native to Scotland.
Nettle
The Nettle can be found worldwide, and it is distinctive because of the stinging hairs that grow on its leaves. It finds its use in both potion-making and drink-making. The dried nettles are a requirement for the Herbicide Potion, while fresh ones are used in the Boil-Cure Potion. On the other hand beverages like Nettle Tea and Nettle Wine obviously have nettles as the main ingredient.
Peppermint
Pretty much all of us are familiar with this herb as mint is a common flavor in sweets, especially Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Just recently it was discovered by a Potions Master at Hogwarts, Professor Severus Snape, that adding a spring of peppermint to the Elixir to Induce Euphoria counteracts the side effect of unrestrained singing and nose-tweaking, so make sure you add that note in case you ever get into a Potions class.
Puffapod
The Puffapod is a magical herb that when dropped on ground produces large, pink seedpods which are filled inside with shining beans. The flower blooms instantly upon coming in contact with another being/object so be careful how you handle them.
Roses
We all know what roses are, especially if we've been in contact with a muggle family because they grow them in their gardens quite often. The thorns are those sharp hard structures along the stem of a rose which posses magical properties. And yes, it's not the flowers that are used in Love Potions, but the thorns - so if you've had that wrong, now it should be cleared up. The flowers are only used for the making of Rose Oils.
Sage
As we already mentioned when discussing Mallowsweet, both of these are used by Centaurs in the way of burning them in order to observe the fumes and flames to help the Centaurs with their stargazing.
Self-Fertilizing Shrub
As the name itself states, this is a bushy shrub that has the ability to fertilize itself and therefore it basically "grows" by itself, it doesn't require anyone's care or attention. But don't let the name fool you into thinking they're some sweet little plants, because they're flesh eaters and would definitely find see you as a delicious dinner dish. Keep your hands away from them!
Shrivelfig
They are very similar to onions, though they don't make your eyes tear if you work with them. The herb is usually skinned so that the purple liquid inside it can be obtained as it is useful in potion-making, especially with the creation of the Shrinking Solution and the Elixir to Induce Euphoria. The herb is endemic to the area of Abyssinia.
Snarfalump
A Snarfalump herb looks like a vegetative green octopus, since it has many tentacles. It's not extremely dangerous but it's not completely harmless as well, so if you're not good with herbs I advice you to stay away from it.
Snargaluff
Now this is a plant you should seriously be afraid of. The Snargaluff looks like a gnarled stump, but inside itself it hides dangerous vines covered with thorns and will attack anyone and anything it consider a threat. It also hides its fruits - green pulsating pods the size of grapefruits, from which a thick liquid can be extracted for use in potion-making. It is recommended that more than one person handles a Snargaluff because it won't give up without a good fight.
Sopophorous Bean
This little dark bean is shriveled and used in potion-making due to its magical properties. One needs to cut open the bean or crush it in order to release the juice inside it, as the juice is one of the main ingredients for the Draught of Living Death.
Spiky Bush
As one can guess from the name, these are bushes with spikes growing out of them. What makes them more dangerous is the fact that they can shoot these spikes, so getting close to them is a really bad idea. It is much better to simply hit them with an 'Incendio' charm from a fair distance so you don't give the bush the chance to retaliate with its numerous spikes.
Toad-Eating Plant
While these look like normal plants and are not harmful for the human kind at all, I wouldn't recommend you leave your pet toad anywhere nearby, the Toad-Eating Plants are bound to catch it and eat it.
Umbrella Flower
These are huge flowers with the form of an umbrella. They don't have any magical properties though they are quite strong and could probably hold an average-weight man, and they also prove to be a good protection against rain.
Valerian
Although Valerians look like pretty flowers, they actually have a wide range of use in potion-making. The flowers are one of the main components of the sweet recipe called Treacle Fudge, while the roots are an ingredient for the Draught of Living Death and the Draught of Peace.
Whomping Willow
The tree has a thick trunk with long and strong limbs which act as its arms. The tree is endemic to Scotland, and it is considered very rare and valuable although it is quite violent as well. It will attack anyone who gets in its range so you shouldn't go wandering near the one that we have on the school's grounds.
Wiggenbush & Wiggentree
The Wiggentree is a magical rowan tree whose bark is used for potion-making, though it is usually guarded by Bowtruckles so it's not really easy to obtain them. The Wiggenbush is directly related to this family and it also has magical properties. Unlike the Wiggentree, it is more common and is not guarded by Bowtruckles.
Wormseed
The Wormseed is a cute green-ish yellow flower used in the making of Treacle Fudge.
Wormwood
The Wormwood is a rather small herb but very bitter and it has been used in potion-making since ancient times. It's quite common but it still finds its way to strong potions such as the Draught of Living Death and the Elixir to Induce Euphoria.
Please clean any mess you've left behind, wash your hands thoroughly, and feel free to start working on Assignment #2.
Credits
Graphics References:
Banner made by the lovely Bianca Delacroix!
Plants and plant product graphics in the gallery bellow are copyright of Pottermore.
Lesson References:
Harry Potter Wikia
HP Lexicon
Pottermore
Wikipedia