Many 'Harry Potter' plants thrive in Utah

Amaryllis belladonna, otherwise known as Naked Lady, sends up leafless shoots topped by trumpet-shaped flowers.

Lovage, or Levisticum officinale, is a culinary and medicinal herb from southern Europe, although it is commonly found here.

Dittany refers to two plants. Marjoram, or Origanum dictamnus, symbolizes birth and love.

In "Harry Potter," dittany might also refer to Dictamnus albus, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Its common name is gas plant and it will at times give off small amounts of gas that can be ignited.

In addition, many of the wands used by characters in the books are made from trees or shrubs that might be in your own garden: cherry, holly, hornbeam, mahogany, willow and yew.

Other plants found in the "Potter" books that are common in this area include cabbage, hellebores, nettles, pumpkins, sneezewort and wormwood.

Growing herbs is a fun and fascinating part of gardening. Most of these attractive plants are easy to grow and are certain to find a treasured spot in your garden.

---

Larry Sagers is the horticulture specialist, Utah State University Extension at Thanksgiving Point.