What are some of the plants mentioned in the Harry Potter stories besides aconite, monkshood and wolfsbane (yes, that is a trick question)? There is a wealth of mention of plants in those books and for Valentine's Day, let's do some that aren't quite so deadly....

Note: This article is for amusement only. If you wish to pursue the studies of plants and their uses, please do so but remember that this article is not to be considered as something anything other than a history of what was regarded to be true in Medieval times and what Muggles currently think of these plants. Thank you.

Daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus

There are several kinds of Daffodils and you can find many with all kinds of different flowers at the plant nurseries. The wild one grows about a foot high and has a single, large yellow flower and the bulb is round and within the skin is white. It prefers a damp meadow or pasture in which to grow but can be found in gardens everywhere. It flowers in early to mid-Spring. In some areas it is the first flower to bloom, reminding folks that spring is on the way.

In Medieval days, the bulbs were used as a medicine, applied externally to heal wounds and to strengthen sprains. Nowadays, they are not recommended for use except as decoration. There is a distinct warning that the bulbs are regarded as poisonous.

Daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare or Chrysanthemum leucanthemum

This is also called the Ox-eye Daisy or Marguerite. It grows to 26 inches high. When it is said that someone received ear-wiggy flowers in the hospital wing, could it have been Daisies? If so, it might have been the (Little) Daisy Bellis Perennis, but chances are that it was the Ox-eye Daisy. They are found in meadows, along roadsides, almost anywhere that they are not mown down.

In Medieval days, the Ox-eye Daisy (also called Greater Wild Daisy in those days) was much used for medicinal purposes, from a decoction made to alleviate inner wounds, like ulcers, to external poultices to help with gout and sciatica. An ointment made from Daisies helped all inflamatory wounds. In current times, it is known to have diuretic, anti-spasmodic and tonic properties.

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale

Ah, the Dandelion of the famous Dandelion tea, Dandelion wine, Dandelion fritters.... Dandelions, with their bright yellow flowers and white puff-balls (or wishing-balls), are known everywhere. The green "toothed" leaves are close to the ground, often horizontal to it, while the hollow green flower stalk rises above to show the flowers and puff-balls.

In Medieval days, the Dandelion was eaten often in the Spring as a cleansing herb. It promoted rest and sleep for those who are having difficulties in obtaining rest. Often regarded as a weed, some people regarded Dandelion as the source of the very best tonics and wine. Currently, Dandelion is used mostly as a diuretic — and for the making of different beverages; the leaves may appear in salads.

Elder, Sambucus nigra

The Elder, a tree, is found in many, many countries, with different varieties for different regions of the world. It has spreading branches and oval, serrated leaves. The white flowers smell sweetly and are followed by small, round dark purple or blue fruits.

Medievally known as a tree of many uses, the first shoots to appear were boiled like asparagus, as were the young leaves and stalks. They helped to cleanse the body of the accumulation of winter-acquired phlegms. The flowers, when they show, were often dipped in batter, fried and devoured. The fruits, when ripe, were made into syrups. Modern day uses include using the berries, which are rich in vitamin C, for wines or juices. External poultices made of leaves are useful to apply to sprains and bruises.

Holly, Ilex aquifolium

The Holly is a well-known evergreen bush or tree with glossy green and prickly leaves. It has berries of either yellow or red. Holly can be grown as specimen plants or grown as a hedge. They are often found in woodlands. They flower in late spring and the berries develop through the summer, ripen in the autumn and stay on the plant through the winter.

Holly was a plant of various uses in Medieval days. Some of the uses were more of a "legendary" basis rather than factual but, in general, it is regarded as a tree of greath strength for "good." In those times, the berries were regarded as excellent medicines to purge the body of phlegms. Currently, Muggles use the leaves as a weak diuretic while they regard berries to be poisonous.