Fluxweed

Fluxweed
Species information
Related to	Mustard family
Sentience	Non-sentient
Stem	Green in colour
Leaves	Green in colour
Flowers	Purple in colour
Usage	Potion ingredient Herbology
Status	Extant

"This is the most complicated potion I've ever seen. Lacewing flies, leeches, fluxweed, and knotgrass. Well, they're easy enough."

— Hermione Granger on the ingredients of the Polyjuice Potion

Fluxweed was a magical plant and member of the mustard family.

Description

The flowers of a strand of fluxweed

When picked at the full moon, it could be used in the making of the Polyjuice Potion. Sixteen scruples were needed to make the potion.

It was also possible to use Fluxweed Syrup alone to achieve certain effects of the Polyjuice Potion.

History

When trying to persuade Professor Severus Snape to attend Rubeus Hagrid's surprise birthday party in 1984 by gifting him potion ingredients, Jacob's sibling found fluxweed in the Artefact Room at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with help from Ben Copper and Penny Haywood.

"Today we will learn proper care for the ever mutable Fluxweed. Part of the mustard family, this plant has many uses, particularly in Polyjuice Potion. It all depends on when you pick it, as you'll soon learn. Now to discuss the various ways in which Fluxweed functions."

— Professor Sprout to sixth-year Herbology students

Jacob's sibling observing Fluxweed in Herbology

During the 1989–1990 school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, sixth-year Herbology students were taught about this plant by Professor Pomona Sprout, including its cultivation, uses, functions and when best to pick it.

In 1992, Hermione Granger used fluxweed to brew Polyjuice Potion in order to infiltrate the Slytherin common room, along with its other ingredients.

Etymology

The word Flux means constant change or flow, so it makes logical sense that it would be an ingredient in Polyjuice Potion.

Behind the scenes

• The use of fluxweed in the Polyjuice Potion was chosen by J. K. Rowling to represent "the mutability of the body as it changed into another".

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
• The Road to Hogwarts Sweepstakes
• Pottermore
• Wizarding World (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened (Mentioned only) (Cut from the release version)