faery herb and plant lore
Alder- This tree grows near water, and is under the protection of water faeries.
Apple- A tree sacred to faeries, pixies and the apple tree man. If one leaves a few apples on the tree for the apple tree man he will ensure a good harvest next year. Avalon is thought to be a land of apples, and to eat a faery apple is to become immortal but removed from humanity.
Ash- In Ireland many solitary trees are sacred to the faeries and cannot be cut down. In England, Ash will protect children and cattle from faery attention. The ash can be seen as the ‘world tree’ linking heaven, earth and the underworld. Many healing properties.
Birch- Haunted by ‘the one with the white hand’- a spirit whose touch brings madness or death
Blackthorn- Guarded by the Lunantishee in Ireland
Bluebells- If found growing in a wood, this meant it was a faery-haunt. To hear a bluebell ring was to hear one's death-knell. Those who wished to attract faeries should gather bluebells or plant them in the garden.
Cowslip- Allows one to uncover faery treasure
Daisy and St John's Wort- sun-symbol plants used for protection and healing (esp. at Midsummer and May Eve) On the Isle of Man it is believed that if you step on St John's Wort the Faeries will mislead you in your journey.
Elder- Guarded by the Elder Mother in England
Four Leaf Clover- Breaks Faery Glamour
Foxglove- also called 'Little folk's glove' or 'Goblin's Thimbles- worn by faeries as gloves/hats, the juice was given to faery-struck children in old times (WARNING, POISONOUS) and is grown in the garden by those wanting to attract faeries.
Ground Ivy, Red Verbena, Rowan- Counteract faery spells/protection against faeries. Irish legend tells of a rowan guarded by a Formorian, it bore berries that conferred immortality.
Hawthorn- A solitary hawthorn marks the boundary to Faeryland. In old times, an Irish peasant would supposedly rather die than chop one down, due to its association with faeries. If one sleeps beneath a hawthorn, esp. on May Eve, you will be taken by the faeries.
Hawthorn, Oak and Ash- If these 3 are found together, this denotes a faery haunt, it is bad luck to cut them down
Hazel-bury a hazel wand to summon faeries, or use to make a forked divining rod for finding faery-kept treasure. Associated with wisdom and inspiration in Ireland, and fertility in England.
Heather- a moorland plant on which heather pixies live and feed
Herbal secrets- the art of healing through herbs was often passed to cunning men and wise women by the faeries.
Holly and Ivy- Hung indoors during winter to provide protection for the vegetation faeries. Holly is associated with the Holly King and hag-fairies. In Ireland Holly was sacred to Morrigan.
Marigold/Wild thyme/Thyme- allows one to see faeries
Moss- In Germany it is thought moss is made by Moss Maidens, old faeries who are angered by destruction of forest saplings and peeling of bark. They will teach a human that they favour many healing powers and herbal secrets.
Oak- a very powerful faery tree, associated with the Oak king. Elves may dwell within the trunk, and may distract one from the path. Oakmen live in the saplings growing from felled oaks, and they can be aggressive, esp. if you cut the tree down
Primrose- Allows one to see faeries, a posy with a certain number of flowers can be used to access gates to Faerieland, the wrong number opens a door to doom. Primrose balls were hung over the door on may eve to protect from faeries. Primroses were planted beneath trees as offerings to Green Ladies.
Ragwort, Rush or Grass- the stalks are used by faeries as flying steeds. Faeries sometimes plant treasure under ragwort.
Reed- 'The Distaff of the faery woman'- thought by celts to be a submerged dryad- it was thought that fairies passed on the idea of using reeds to make bagpipes.
Trailing Pearlwort- Protection from fire and faery women
Vervain- Cures ills caused by faery spells and elf-bolts
Willow- associated with witchcraft and fertility throughout Europe. Willow trees are sacred to Morgan Le Fay, Morrigan, Cailleach and the hag goddess. Many faeries live in willows, or are willow dryads. They uproot themselves, walk about, and sigh and mutter at humans that pass by. Old Man Willow even grabs at them.
Bibliography:
Brain Froud and Alan Lee, Faeries, Pavilion Books.
Anna Frankin, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Fairies, Paper Tiger
Katherine Briggs, An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Pantheon Books
(and I probably used some other books too when I made the list...I forget..but any mistakes are mine! This is all very based in England and Ireland due to my background and resources. let me know if you have info on elsewhere!)