Herbology Club: Potter Plants

[zq-mf.livejournal.com]

Oopsies....a little late because I was getting wings work ran late tonight but here you go! :)

Activity: Potter Plants
Details: Turn your favorite Harry Potter character into a plant! Explain why you think that the plant you've chosen fits them. Comment on other people's "Potter plants" with why you agree or disagree.
Points: Long debate style: 10 points for your first comment; 2 pts for anything posted after; cap of 30 pts possible.
Deadline: Will run from Sunday(today), July 25th @ 4:00 UTC (11 pm CDT) till Saturday, July 31st @ 5:00 UTC (12 pm CDT).

2 of you can earn an extra 5 pts for doing this activity: raphaellover & stellar_kar

You also have to be on my roster to get points for this.

Comments won't be screened for this activity.

Any other questions? Drop them below :) I'm pretty sure this is cut and dry though ♥

Come frolick in the flowers with me and the rest of the Herbology Club today!!

Comments

Questions/Comments/Concerns??

[zq-mf.livejournal.com]

Drop me a line, yo. :)

Re: Questions/Comments/Concerns??

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

Do trees count?

[queen0fsc0ts.livejournal.com]

I imagine Fleur Delacour as being a white Western Anemone Flower (http://www.johnharveyphoto.com/WhistlerPeak/WesternAnemoneFlowerHg.jpg). It's a beautiful and soft flower, but is also very hearty; it can grow in some very tough places (believe me, I have them in my yard in Seattle and the weather there is not exactly peachy). It's beautiful in a way that some flowers aren't; it's not a conventional-beautiful like the rose, which albeit pretty, is very recognised and common. The anemone is beautiful, but is less common.

This reminds me of Fleur because while she might come off as soft and charming, she's actually quite stalwart and hearty. She's made it through difficult conditions such as hiding out, but always offers strength to those around her. She is beautiful, but uncommonly so, given her Veela heritage.

I'm not a botanist here, so perhaps there's a flower that could fit her better, it's the first thing that came to mind.

Kaitlin | Ravenclaw

[zq-mf.livejournal.com]

I definitely agree with you there. It seems like it really fits her personality and how people view her, as someone that is beautiful and they don't tend to look farther than that.

I kinda wish I could find this flower where I live. I like it haha :)

[vitallani.livejournal.com]

I think this is the perfect plant for Bellatrix. Not only does is compliment her name, but also the poisonous/innocuous/harmful effects belladonna has one people is just like Bellatrix.

[mrschucknoblet.livejournal.com]

To me, Percy Weasley is a thistle. I am a hardcore Percy stan, as many people know, and I think Percy and thistles go together quite well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thistle

Thistles are known for being prickly, harmful, and not the prettiest flowers in the world. I think this is a good representation of Percy. Percy was always seen as being really harsh to everyone around him and rubbing people the wrong way. Even in the flowery kingdom, thistles aren't really included because unlike many other flowers, they are not considered gorgeous or for bouquets, so they are overlooked. Percy was overlooked in his family because he was the quiet, studious one, and the rest of his family were so loud and boisterous he had to stand out the only way he knew how. He didn't always go about it the right way (by being proud of being standoffish) but he had no other choice. He was who he was and he couldn't change it. Also, the spiky, hazardous bits on the thistle are there for protecting the plant against animals and those who want to do it harm, much like Percy's outward personality. Everyone picked on him, so he acted standoffish in order to keep people away. Finally, although thistles aren't normally considered beautiful, they are incredibly colorful and interesting as does Percy.

/End Pro-percy rant lol

Courtney Rose//Puff

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

Ohhh! That really fits. At first, I was skeptical. After your explanation, though, I definitely agree. I have to admit, I don't love Percy. Your description of him is spot on, though.

Also, the spiky, hazardous bits on the thistle are there for protecting the plant against animals and those who want to do it harm, much like Percy's outward personality. Everyone picked on him, so he acted standoffish in order to keep people away.

I especially agree with that part.

Crystal // Gryffindor

[mmailliw.livejournal.com]

I see Horace Slughorn as a pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). I feel that his favourite fruit (even if he only has been to show its crystallized form) fits him quite well. It's not exactly the easiest thing in a world to open a pineapple and eat it, just as it isn't that easy to get into the Slug Club. But, once you get in (both to the pineapple and Slughorn's elite circle) the rewards are as sweet as imaginable! It also helps that he looks a lot like a pineapple...

William//Slytherin

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

That really fits. I like that you equated it back to something he really likes.

It's not exactly the easiest thing in a world to open a pineapple and eat it, just as it isn't that easy to get into the Slug Club. But, once you get in (both to the pineapple and Slughorn's elite circle) the rewards are as sweet as imaginable!

I don't know that I would want to to be a part of the Slug Club, but I'm fairly average.

Crystal // Gryffindor

[vitallani.livejournal.com]

I'd say Mad-Eye Moody would be a Venus Fly Trap. He sneaks up on unsuspecting victims (like when he turned Draco into a ferret), just like a fly-trap catches insects off guard. He is also very quick to react and is near impossible to escape once caught. The Venus fly trap snaps at its victims before they have a chance to react and once they are caught, there is no chance to get away. Mad-Eye relies on his senses, such as his eye to spot things, just as the venus-fly trap uses senses (when a fly knocks one it is engulfed).

Bryony/Slytherin

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

This really fits. I wouldn't have thought about it on my own, but I definitely agree. Mad-Eye Moody is definitely a Venus Fly Trap.

Crystal // Gryffindor

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

Coral Honeysuckle is strong or hardy and adapts to its surroundings. It is also tolerate of harsh conditions. Its leaves are opposite. Typically, it's fiery red with yellow on the inside. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

It might be a stretch, but that made me think of Neville.

Neville is beyond strong. He is capable of adapting to his surroundings. He's tolerate of harsh conditions. He's not graceful… and that's what I thought about when the leaves are described as "opposite". Deep down, though, he's exceptionally sweet. It takes a lot to anger him, but you'd better watch out once you've managed it.

Crystal // Gryffindor

[cyyt.livejournal.com]

Neville is definitely adaptable to the circumstances! People often overlook him for all his mistakes, but he is talented (Herbology), like how the honeysuckle is not just to look pretty, but also a source of food for hummeingbirds and butterflies.

Candice//Gryffindor

[cyyt.livejournal.com]

Lily Evans is an Apple Tree. Apples are sweet, like she generally is, unless incensed by people (i.e. James Potter), whereby the hint of tartness in apples comes in--she won't be messed around with! She's flexible, known as a talented student, juggling Head Girl duties and her studies (and being a member of the Slug Club, lol), like how apples can be made into a variety of foods (e.g. apple cider, apple pie,...).

Lastly, she's a redhead, as (most) apples are!

Candice//Gryffindor

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

I love this connection! I wouldn't have thought of it myself, but I totally love it. I totally agree. Now I have this image of Snape holding an apple. Where's a fanartist when you need one!

Crystal // Gryffindor

[rvillarrubia.livejournal.com]

Narcissa Malfoy is obviously a Daffodil. In Spanish, it suits her name perfectly (it is called Narciso) but also her beauty (http://fireflyforest.net/images/firefly/2006/January/Narcissus-2.jpg).

The name derives from the Greek word narkào that means narcotic, refering to the pungent and intoxicating smell of its flowers. I assimilate that to Narcissa's beauty, being intoxicating to everybody.

Ruth // Slytherin

[bowling-monkey.livejournal.com]

I totally agree! Since you pointed out that her name derives from a Greek work meaning narcotic, she could also be lavender which is known for its aiding relaxation and sleep.

Kerry//Gryffindor//3

[nfgs.livejournal.com]

Percy Weasley as a Cactus. Just think about it. I've never found one that was anything but upright, perfect for Percy's snooty posture. They don't have leaves -- Percy is not the flashiest of his siblings -- but they do sprout some pretty flowers. And, of course, we can't forget those prickly spines that grow all over them, making cacti a fairly understated beauty. Those spines can hurt us on occasion, but cacti really don't mean us any harm.

Claire // Ravenclaw

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

OMGOSH! I'm all... FLAILY! That is such a perfect plant for Percy. I was also a fan of the thistle, but this... it really fits. It fits so well that it makes me flaily, and I'm not a flaily person.

LOVE IT!

Crystal // Gryffindor

[goddess-of-ice.livejournal.com]

I think Cho Chang would be a hydrangea. They are known as mainly ornamental flowers and that really seems to be all Cho is in the books (despite her Seeker abilities). First she is an ornament on Cedric's arm and then on Harry's. If not cared for regularly hydrangea collapse, just as Cho did during the fifth book. Also, the hydrangea can be toxic if ingested, and since Cho was the one who brought poison into Dumbledore's Army (her friend Marietta Edgecombe), I think the similarities between her and the flower are there.

Meghan//gryffindor//1

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

This amuses me. With the way you describe it, it definitely fits, but it makes me laugh. "Also, the hydrangea can be toxic if ingested, and since Cho was the one who brought poison into Dumbledore's Army (her friend Marietta Edgecombe)..." That is what brings the smile to my face. It fits so well, it's amusing.

Crystal // Gryffindor

[rideinthelimo.livejournal.com]

Hermione Granger would be a maple. The tree is associated with wisdom and magic, which fit Hermione perfectly...being a wizard and extremely wise. It is also associated with caregivers (because the maple syrup provides food to those who care for it), which fits Hermione as she looks after people. The wood is very hard and tough, Hermione is a fighter, but also is pliable and good to carve with, Hermione is useful and helpful.
Finally, the leaves turn a very vibrant orange and red when they change in the autumn, representing her Gryffindor allegiance.

Rachel//Ravenclaw

[sylvir.livejournal.com]

This is really accurate comparison! I looked Maple up to see what else it means, and apparently the Celtics associate Maple as "no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved; ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress." Which I must say, sums up Hermione perfectly.

Bess//Gryffindor//7

[bowling-monkey.livejournal.com]

I think Bellatrix Lestrange would be an oleande. These flowers are able to survive in differing climates and they can thrive with varying amounts of water. I think this speaks to the strength and loyalty that Bellatrix always displayed for Voldemort. Even in her trial she refused to renounce her loyalty to Voldemort and was able to survive the conditions in Azkaban long enough to return to him.

The oleander is a beautiful flower that comes in several colors and is often used in ornamentation. However, its beauty can be deceptive to those who don't know of its most infamous quality. The oleander is an extremely poisonous plant that is lethal to both animals and humans. Bellatrix was a powerful witch who tortured and killed indiscriminately--going so far as to torture pureblooded Frank and Alice Longbottom and killing her own cousin Sirius Black.

Picture for reference: Here (http://biology.clc.uc.edu/graphics/steincarter/florida/Oleander%2002%20big.JPG)

Kerry//Gryffindor//1

[hope-guides-me.livejournal.com]

OMGOSH! That really fits. I didn't think about it, but... SO GLAD YOU DID!

The way you relate the plant to Bellatrix is absolutely beautiful. I don't know of any other way to describe it. It fits so well that I... yeah.

Bellatrix Lestrange is definitely oleander. DEFINITELY.

Crystal // Gryffindor

[sylvir.livejournal.com]

I think Severus Snape is a Poppy. Since the 7th book I have become a proud supporter of Snape x Lily (and just have an all around love for Snape), so my opinion may be a little biased.

The color of poppies when they bloom is most commonly a gorgeous red, however, the most sweetest, most tender, most beautiful flowers are the ones that die quickly. The red also signifies death and bloodshed, which was Snape's eventual fate. The poppy (Snape) was always there waiting to blossom and reveal it's beauty, however not until it was properly planted, nurtured, and well cared for (his character developed and the foundations set), would we be able to see them (Snape) in their most beautiful state (which is when we learn the bittersweet truth behind Snape's hate for Harry; how looking into his eyes reminded him of his sweet love for Lily).

And just as quickly as we are able to see it blossom, it dies, leaving us with only a vivid afterimage (a fond memory and clear realization of why we waited so long to find out Snape's true character).

Bess//Gryffindor

[vitallani.livejournal.com]

I was sceptical of this at first, but I do see where you are coming from. Poppies also have opium, which can change a person's perceptions. The Trio's perception of Snape is very distorted because they only see what's in front of them, not what's really there.

Bryony/Slytherin

[et-tu-lj.livejournal.com]

I think the Artemisia Absinthium or Wormwood is a good match for Severus Snape. Its leaves are silvery green and covered with silvery trichomes, so it's got the Slytherin colors down. (Also, it has special oil producing glands, for that extra special shine.) Wormwood grows naturally on uncultivated, arid lands, which represents Snape's rather sad childhood, and on rocky ground, which represents the difficulties in his life.

Wormwood is a symbol of bitterness, and its secretions can actually keep other plants around it from blooming (poor little potions students). But it's also a key ingredient in absinthe and is used as a flavoring in other spirits and wines. This fits because while Snape's bitterness may be hard for some to stomach, he certainly is worth savoring to others.

Kimberly/Ravenclaw

[turtleyurtle1.livejournal.com]

Haha, I think that's perfect, especially the part about his secretions keeping others from blooming, but still being a key ingredient in things. Snape himself is a key ingredient to the story as a whole, even if some people do find him hard to stomach.

Desiree // Gryffindor.

[caitriona-3.livejournal.com]

I think Tonks would be good as Achillea (Yarrow). It is a tough, drought-resistant plant. It comes in a variety of colors, attracts beneficial allies, and repels pests. It looks like it has such a carefree nature, even while it is working to make things right for you. See below for example.

http://brecks.com/product.asp?pn=69630&sid=704127&eid=&bhcd2=1280337605

Caitriona//Gryffindor

[sylvir.livejournal.com]

Oooh, this fits really well for Tonks. Due to the fact that Achillea can survive in a variety of growing conditions reflects her ability to adapt to situations and still stay firm and tough.

Bess//Gryffindor//9

[samsamtastic.livejournal.com]

I have to go utterly cliche and say that Lily Evans - not Potter, school aged Lily - would be a red rose. Roses are gorgeous, of course, and red colored ones represent passion. From Snape's memories and what people have told Harry, we know that she was was thought beautiful by many of her peers. However from the memories, we also know that she was a spitfire and could turn from beautiful, demure Lily that everybody loved to an angry fireball of a person when provoked - be it from James asking her out on yet another date, or her friend of five years or so utterly insulting her. That trait lends nicely to the color representing passion as well thorns that rose stems have to defend themselves from harm.

Sam//Gryffindor

[caitriona-3.livejournal.com]

It would also fit her as an adult. Roses have long represented love - Lily's love for her son was so deep that her last thoughts, last instincts were to protect him. We'd like to think all parents are this way, but sometimes its not quite true. This is a good choice for her all around.

Caitriona//Gryffindor

[kilobites.livejournal.com]

I think Bellatrix would be Digitalis (Foxglove). Digitalis is a plant that is poisonous and can cause hallucinations and delusions. Since Bellatrix is basically insane, it makes sense to associate her with a plant that can cause mind altering effects. However, digitalis can also be used medicinally, which is fitting to Bellatrix because she is so unpredictable, and can respond to things in different ways. Furthermore, digitalis frequently grows in areas where the ground has recently been disturbed, most commonly burned, which makes sense since Bellatrix thrives on chaos and disaster.

Tasha//Gryffindor

[caitriona-3.livejournal.com]

I agree. It is also a beautiful plant, hiding a deadly nature. For all her deadliness, Bellatrix is a lovely woman. What's more, Foxglove is called one of the top ten heirloom flowers - what could be more perfect for this daughter of the Ancient and Noble house of Black?

Caitriona//Gryffindor

[turtleyurtle1.livejournal.com]

I think Fleur is Rosemary.

I was actually looking for the perfect plant for Luna, but when I came across the "mythology" section of the Rosemary plant, I knew it would fit Fleur much better.

Rosemary is often used as landscaping, and is considered pretty easy to grow, and somewhat pest-resistant. It's ever so slightly prickly because of it's leaves- just like fleur is. But Rosemary is really fragrant, and is associated with the Goddess Aphroditite- it was said to be draped over her when she arose from the sea. I don't know of any other Goddess I would put Fleur with first. xD The one of beauty and love seems to fit perfectly! Not to mention that Rosemary is also used for rememberance, and love and loyalty. Rosemary used to be used in weddding ceremonies in the middle ages, and Fleur of course gets married in the books.

As a funny thing worth noting- too much Rosemary can cause seizures or spasms, just like Fleur's beauty can be a little overwhelming. Rosemary's also used to scent lotions and the like, and I imagine Fleur appreciates a good scent.

Desiree || gryffindor

[kilobites.livejournal.com]

I like that you went into the mythology of the plant you picked for Fleur, since it seems necessary for Fleur to have a plant that has some interesting mythology behind it. The fact that rosemary is associated with Aphrodite is almost ridiculously perfect! That is the goddess that I would think of for Fleur, and your argument is only made stronger by the fact that too much rosemary can cause negative effects, just like Fleur's beauty.

Tasha//Gryffindor

[caitriona-3.livejournal.com]

I found a lovely plant for Luna (even if the name sounds like Tonks!) - the Chameleon Plant. The plant is made up of heart shaped foliage in multicolored red, blue-green, & yellow - with white flowers. This kind of reminds me of Luna's unique dress style accenting her blond hair - not to mention how she does everything from the heart, with a deeper wisdom than book-learning. When you crush the leaves they have a soapy scent - a clean smell - rather like Luna's refreshingly pure personality. Finally, they do best in filtered light - Luna's wisdom had to be really examined before people comprehend it.

Caitriona//Gryffindor

[sylvir.livejournal.com]

Ooh, the Chameleon Plant reflects Luna's quirkiness well. The word chameleon itself means 'a changeable, fickle, or inconstant person', and with Luna, we never know what we'll expect next.

Bess//Gryffindor//10

[turtleyurtle1.livejournal.com]

I think of Luna as a Sunflower plant. Sunflowers tend to face towards the sun, and Luna herself generally has a sunny disposition even if people do think of her as "loony lovegood". Sunflowers can be used to extract toxins from the ground (like lead, arsenic, and uranium) and if there's anything Luna can do, it's help chip away at the icky-nasties of thw world.

Not to mention that Sunflowers are often a symbol of the green movement, and there's a Sunflower guerilla gardening day where people gather and surprise plant sunflowers in otherwise neglected places. Luna's that spot of sunshine that you didn't expect, and that activity just feels like the sort of thing she'd be into.

Desiree // Gryffindor

[samsamtastic.livejournal.com]

I really like your connection between the sunflower pulling toxins out to Luna's ability to lighten the world. That's a brilliant choice for her! I had a completely different flower in mind for her, but this is so much more of a perfect fit for her!

Sam//Gryffindor

[samsamtastic.livejournal.com]

I see Neville Longbottom as a clover. They're rather ordinary, really, and blend in helplessly with the rest of the grass on my lawn, but there comes a point - when the clover is ready - that is blooms with adorable little flowers that are actually quite fragrant (depending on the species of clover) and pretty. That's our Neville! He just sort of totters along through the series, always being there and occasionally lending some sort of aid, but it isn't until the 7th book that he really comes into his own and blossoms into something great.

Sam//Gryffindor

[silvertigerx.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure about him blending in - heck, he probably sticks out for being so clumsy, no offense to him :( - but I agree that, behind the ordinary fascade is an extraordinary kid ready to blossom. He could easily fade away into the background, but there comes a day when he's plucked and his true colors come through

Silver//Gryffindor

[mandyloo.livejournal.com]

(Not sure if magical plants are allowed, but...)

I see Neville Longbottom as his favorite plant, Mimbulus mimbletonia. They're both a little odd looking and would get made fun of by the other people/plants. But there's a lot hidden beneath that surface that can be brought out at the right moment. As Neville showed Harry on the train, if you poke the Mimbulus mimbletonia, it has a defense mechanism that shoots disgusting liquid at you. We see at the end of DH that Neville too can fight back when provoked, as he talks about standing up to the Death Eaters acting as professors at Hogwarts, and also refusing to join Voldemort.

Mandy/Hufflepuff

[samsamtastic.livejournal.com]

I really like your reasoning behind this one! It agrees nicely with why I said, but the way that you used the defense mechanism to parallel his growth in DH was much more powerful than my analogy. Awesome use of the magical plant, too, especially considering that it is his favorite. They say that dog and their owners look alike, so maybe it's like that in this case, haha.

Sam//Gryffindor

[silvertigerx.livejournal.com]

I can't get over thinking of James Potter, or even his son Harry, as representative of a Holly Tree (not sure about their wands, but whatever). According to one of the wand wood/celtic trees sites, it characterizes Holly as a noble and charismatic tree, full of leadership potential, and I see that as something both father and son have in common. Furthermore, it also characterizes them as ambitious and determined, always ready to overcome obstacles, which James clearly showed in his standing up against Voldemort, and Harry likewise in his series-long saga against the same. It also says that Holly can be "generous, kind and affectionate", which is clearly true for both, too, underneath their exteriors. I might even add that I think it's a great plant to represent Godric Gryffindor himself; noble, strong, and kind, but also apt to get lazy.

Silver//Gryffindor

[my-badgers-27.livejournal.com]

I agree with this! Harry and James are quite clearly good at leadership. Harry was described as ambitious very early in the series. James was very charismatic at school which I think was why people were so eager to befriend him. I also like that you added that James was generous, kind, and affectionate. I think that part of his personality are sometimes overlooked, but he had to have those traits because he did have a kid and wife.

Melissa//Gryffindor

[my-badgers-27.livejournal.com]

I think that a marigold fits Molly Weasley. Marigolds are bright flowers, and I see Molly as a person who is very bright and full of energy. However, that's not the part that I think describes Molly best. She is very protective of her family, and Marigolds are known for the protective and healing qualities. I see Molly as the type of mother who fussed over their children when they were sick. There are also certain forms of Marigold that can be dangerous. We see Molly's dangerous side when she attacks Bellatrix and fights for her kids.

Melissa//Gryffindor

[devils-sidekick.livejournal.com]

That seems to be the perfect flower for her, she sis extremelly protective of her family and will fight for them even if it means risking her life. She cared more about them then she does herself. The merrygod is the perfect flower for her.

Deborah//Hufflepuff