Sneezewort

Sneezewort
Species information
Endemic to	Great Britain
Sentience	Non-sentient
Stem	Green in colour
Leaves	Green in colour
Flowers	Snowy white
Distinction(s)	Poisonous to cattle, sheep and horses
Usage	Potion-making Herbology
Status	Extant

"These plants are most efficacious in the inflaming of the brain, and are therefore much used in Confusing and Befuddlement Draughts, where the wizard is desirous of producing hot-headedness and recklessness..."

— A passage about the uses of scurvy grass, lovage and sneezewort

Sneezewort is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the genus Archillea.

Uses

It was used as an ingredient in the making of various potions, such as the Befuddlement Draught and Strong Invigoration Draught. It was kept with other potion ingredients in the Potions Classroom at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Jacob's sibling and Professor Sprout observing sneezewort in Herbology

This plant was also covered as part of the sixth-year Herbology curriculum at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 1989–1990 school year.

During the 1990–1991 school year, a Muggle ate a salad prepared from magical plants from a witch's garden, which contained lovage, scurvy grass and sneezewort, causing them to became befuddled. Jacob's sibling as part of their student programme at the British Ministry of Magic, investigated the matter on Alastor Moody's instruction, and brewed a remedy in the Alchemy Room at St Mungo's for the Muggle. Professor Pomona Sprout also reviewed the types of plants found in a magical garden for seventh-year Herbology students that year.

During the Calamity of the late 2010s/early 2020s, members of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force collected sneezewort, alongside other potion ingredients, in order for them to brew the Strong Invigoration Draught to help them with their work.

Behind the scenes

• Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) is a member of the yarrow family. The dried leaves of this plant may be used to create a sneezing powder.
• Sneezewort is also a plant native to Great Britain, where the Harry Potter series takes place.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (First mentioned)
• The Road to Hogwarts Sweepstakes (First appearance)
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened (Mentioned only)