======The Magical Discipline of Herbology======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** Branch of [[Magic]], [[Hogwarts]] Academic Subject
  * **Owners:** (Professors and Notable Practitioners) [[Pomona Sprout]], [[Neville Longbottom]], [[Herbert Beery]]
  * **Maker:** (Origin) An ancient field of study, fundamental to wizarding life, particularly in the areas of [[Potions]] and magical [[Healing]].
=====Description and Appearance=====
[[Herbology]] is the study of magical and mundane plants and fungi, making it the wizarding equivalent of botany. The subject covers the identification, care, utilisation, and magical properties of a wide variety of flora. Students learn how to cultivate and handle plants, many of which can be dangerous, and discover their uses, which range from being potent [[Potions]] ingredients to powerful magical weapons.
At [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], [[Herbology]] classes are held in the [[Hogwarts Greenhouses]] on the castle grounds. The curriculum is hands-on and requires specific equipment, including `[[dragon-hide gloves]]`, `[[Earmuffs]]` for protection against plants like the [[Mandrake]], and a [[wand]]. Essential materials for cultivation include various types of compost, such as dragon dung and [[Mooncalf]] dung. The primary textbook for students is //One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi// by [[Phyllida Spore]].
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The practical application of [[Herbology]] is vast and vital to the wizarding world. Its importance is most prominent in three key areas:
  * **Potions:** A great number of magical plants are core ingredients in [[Potions]]. Without a steady supply and knowledge of these plants, the art of [[Potions]] would be impossible. Notable examples include:
    *   `[[Aconite]]` (also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood) is a key ingredient in the [[Wolfsbane Potion]].
    *   `[[Mandrake|Mandrake]]s` are essential for brewing the [[Mandragora Restorative Draught]], which cures [[Petrification]].
    *   `[[Gillyweed]]` allows a person to grow gills and breathe underwater for a period of time.
    *   `[[Bubotuber]]` pus is a primary ingredient in remedies for severe acne.
    *   `[[Sopophorous Bean]]s` are used in sleeping draughts like the [[Draught of Living Death]].
  * **Healing:** Many plants possess powerful restorative properties and are used in magical healing.
    *   The essence of a `[[Murtlap]]` can be used to soothe and heal painful cuts.
    *   `[[Dittany]]` is a powerful healing herb whose essence can be applied to wounds to prevent scarring and promote rapid recovery.
  * **Defence and Offence:** Certain magical plants have aggressive or dangerous characteristics that can be harnessed for defensive or offensive purposes.
    *   `[[Devil's Snare]]` is a plant that constricts and suffocates anything that comes into contact with it.
    *   The `[[Venomous Tentacula]]` is a dangerous, spiky plant with mobile vines that try to seize living prey.
    *   During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], [[Professor Sprout]] and [[Neville Longbottom]] weaponised dangerous plants, throwing [[Mandrake]]s and other aggressive flora from the battlements at attacking [[Death Eater]]s.
=====History=====
[[Herbology]] is a core subject taught at [[Hogwarts]] from the first year. The curriculum progresses in difficulty, introducing students to increasingly dangerous and complex plants as they advance.
  * **First Year:** Students learn basic plant care and are introduced to species like the `[[Devil's Snare]]`.
  * **Second Year:** The curriculum includes hazardous plants such as the `[[Mandrake]]`, requiring students to wear `[[Earmuffs]]` for protection against their fatal cry.
  * **Third Year:** Students work with plants like `[[Puffapod]]s`, which burst into flower when dropped.
  * **Fourth Year:** Students learn to handle `[[Bubotuber]]s` and harvest their valuable pus.
  * **Fifth Year ([[O.W.L.]] Level):** The subject becomes more demanding in preparation for the [[Ordinary Wizarding Level]] examinations. The practical exam tests students' ability to handle a variety of plants safely and effectively.
  * **Sixth Year ([[N.E.W.T.]] Level):** To continue [[Herbology]] to [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test]] level, a student must typically achieve an 'Outstanding' or 'Exceeds Expectations' at [[O.W.L.]] level. Students at this level, such as [[Neville Longbottom]], work with highly dangerous plants like the `[[Venomous Tentacula]]`.
After the [[Second Wizarding War]], [[Neville Longbottom]], who always demonstrated a profound talent and passion for the subject, eventually became the Professor of [[Herbology]] at [[Hogwarts]], taking over from a retired [[Professor Sprout]].
=====Role in the Story=====
Knowledge of [[Herbology]] proved to be critical at several key moments in [[Harry Potter]]'s story.
  * In //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone//, [[Hermione Granger]]'s recall of [[Devil's Snare]]'s weakness to sunlight saves her, [[Harry]], and [[Ron Weasley]] from one of the obstacles guarding the [[Philosopher's Stone]].
  * In //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, [[Professor Sprout]]'s crop of [[Mandrake]]s is the sole hope for creating the draught needed to cure the victims of the [[Basilisk]]'s petrifying gaze.
  * In //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//, knowledge of [[Gillyweed]] is crucial for completing the Second Task of the [[Triwizard Tournament]]. While [[Dobby]] ultimately provides the plant to [[Harry]], the clue originated from a book on magical water plants given to [[Neville Longbottom]] by [[Barty Crouch Jr.]] (disguised as [[Alastor Moody]]).
  * In //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//, [[Hermione]] procures `[[Murtlap]]` essence to help [[Harry]] treat the painful wounds on his hand inflicted by [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s [[Black Quill]].
  * In //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows//, [[Hermione]] uses [[Dittany]] to heal [[Ron]]'s arm after he was Splinched during their escape from the [[Ministry of Magic]]. The subject's offensive capabilities were also fully displayed during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The name //Herbology// is derived from "herb," a category of plants, and the suffix "-ology," meaning "the study of." It is the direct magical parallel to the real-world science of botany.
  * According to Pottermore, the Herbology professor before [[Pomona Sprout]] was a wizard named [[Herbert Beery]], a jovial man who eventually left [[Hogwarts]] to teach at the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts (W.A.D.A.). (Pottermore)
  * In the film adaptations, [[Neville Longbottom]]'s affinity and skill in [[Herbology]] are highlighted more frequently and from an earlier point than in the novels, establishing it as his signature strength.