The Magical Discipline of Herbology

• 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.

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.

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.
  • `Mandrakes` 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 Beans` 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 Mandrakes and other aggressive flora from the battlements at attacking Death Eaters.

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 `Puffapods`, which burst into flower when dropped.
• Fourth Year: Students learn to handle `Bubotubers` 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.

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 Mandrakes 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.

• 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.