Don’t forget your dragon hide gloves! Sarah and Hanna are heading to Hogwarts for a special herbology-themed episode featuring magical plants from the Harry Potter universe — and their real-life counterparts you can actually grow in your own garden. From calming hellebores to, they dig into the folklore, horticulture, and just a little bit of magic behind these spellbinding species. Whether you’re a wizarding world fan or just love a weird plant story, this episode is full of enchanting garden inspiration (and a few poison warnings).
Plants Mentioned:
Asphodel (Asphodelus spp.) — White-flowering Mediterranean perennial, linked with mourning and mythology. Used in the Draught of Living Death.
English Daisy (Bellis perennis) — A sweet, low-growing lawn daisy and ingredient in Shrinking Solution.
Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus) — Silvery-leaved culinary and medicinal herb related to oregano. Used to heal wounds.
Fanged Geranium — Fictional, but inspired by real geraniums like Geranium maculatum (wild geranium), Geranium maderense (giant geranium) and Geranium cinereum ‘Ballerina’.
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) — The “Lenten Rose,” an early-blooming, poisonous beauty associated with calming. Used in the Draught of Peace.
Honking Daffodil / Narcissus (Narcissus spp.) — Cheerful (and noisy) spring bulbs, namesake of Narcissa Malfoy.
Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare) — A noxious weed and Polyjuice Potion ingredient (definitely don’t plant it).
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) — Celery-scented herb used in soups, meats, and the Befuddlement Draught.
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) — The legendary “man root,” poisonous but fascinating; related look-alike: Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple). Used to cure Petrification.
Rue (Ruta graveolens) — Blue-green leaves and yellow flowers; symbolic of regret and used in old remedies (handle with care, can cause skin irritation and is toxic in large doses). Fictionally used to counter poisons.
Sneezewort Yarrow (Achillea ptarmica) — Wildflower relative of yarrow, used to induce sneezing and for toothaches. Used in Befuddlement Draughts.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) — Drought tolerant, ornamental with silvery foliage. Used in pain relieving salves and treat for parasites (and to make absinth). Also used in the Draught of Living Death.
Announcements
- Exciting Announcement coming later this week! Watch your podcast feed, NSA social media, and your email (if you recieve our newsletters)
- Leave the Leaves Signs – Available online and at fall plant sales.
- Plants & Pints – SOLD OUT a full month in advance! Be sure to mark your calendars early for next year’s October event.
- Awards Season – Watch for announcements and celebrations of Arboretum award winners.
- Plant Talks (Winter Webinar Series) – Send in your topic suggestions now! What do you want a deep dive on? The team is building the schedule.
Links
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