Trees
Some trees have personalities of their own while others are simple the homes or favorite places of the Faeries. Some are even included in both of these categories.
*The apple tree is one of the most magical trees in Faerie mythology, and indeed in many other mythologies as well. The apple is a tree of spells and enchantment. To fall asleep under an apple tree in to put yourself at great risk of falling under a Faerie spell. The apple fruit is often used as a way to transfer a spell, as is the well known fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. To eat an enchanted apple is also one way to enter Faerie-land, and apples and apple peels can be used in certain forms of divination. The apple tree has strong ties to Arthurian Legend; Avalon, or the "Isle of Apples" is the home of the four Faerie Queens, and the place to which they carried King Arthur's corpse. It is even sometimes considered to actually be Faerie-land, or at least an entrance into it.
*Ash trees are considered to be sacred. They are planted to protect cattle or homes from mischevious Faerie folk.
*Birch trees are said to be the tree of death. They may have a spirit associated with them which chase travellers in the dark, and if the manange to catch this traveller, and touch him on the head, he will die, and his body will be left with a white hand-print on it.
*It is said that witches can transform themselves into elder trees. A tree which is a transformed witch will bleed when cut. Elder trees are also supposed to give protection from Faeries, particularly evil ones, since it is also said that they are a refuge for good Faeries from those evil.
*Elm trees are extremly senstive; it has been reported that if you cut one down, the one next to it will die of grief.
*Hawthorn trees are immensely magical plants, and Faeries are often present near them.
*The hazel is also a highly mystical tree. In Ireland, they are considered to be the tree of magical wisdom, and in England, they are associated with fertility. Due to this fact, a bag of hazelnuts would be given to a bride at her wedding.
*It is said that if an oak tree is cut down, the shoots which grow up from the roots will try to take revenge. Oaks are generally considered to be an angry tree, and it is therefore dangerous to walk through an oak copice at night.
*The willow is another tree with animate qualities. At night, a willow will uproot and wander after travellers, muttering to itself. Willows are not considered dangerous, however.
Tree Spell
"Ellum do grieve,
Oak he do hate,
Willow do walk,
If yew travels late."
Flowers & Herbs
*Bluebells are always a Faerie flower; their presence indicates a place of Faerie enchantment. If a child wanders into a place where they grow, they may not come out. If an adult does so, he or she will be pixy-led until someone else finds them and leads them out again.
*Broom is a common ingredient in Faerie spells.
*A four-leaf clover will break Faerie spells, and allow one to see through the Faerie glamour. Also, it is said that seven grains of wheat placed on a four-leaf clover will allow you to see the Faeries.
*Cowslips are used by the Faeries as keys to their hidden treasures.
*Fennel is known for it's ability to repel the Faeries. It is hung over doors to prevent them from entering a house, and smeared on cow's udders to prevent the Faeries from stealing the milk.
*Forget-me-nots are also used as magic keys. Additionally, if searching for a Faerie treasure, it is beneficial to carry these flowers with you.
*Foxfglove is considered to be a Faerie plant everywhere. If the name is taken literally, this eludes to the notion that the blossoms are gloves given to foxes by mischevious Faeries, allowing the fox to sneak about quietly at night and raid the chicken coop. It is also suggested that "foxglove" is really "folks-glove", and that the Faeries use them to make themselves soft gloves. In any case, the Faerie folk are strongly attached to this plant, and it is said that to carry the flowers with you is to to draw the Faeries to you, and to have them in your house is to invite the Faeries in.
*It is said that there are seven herbs which can, when used correctly, protect from anything natural or unnatural. They are St. John's wort, vervain, speedwell, eyebright, mallow, yarrow and self-help. They are best gathered at noon on a bright, sunny day, near the time of the full moon.
*Mugwort is a magic plant, favoured by mermaids. Also, it is said that is you put some of it in your shoes, you can run all day without getting sore feet.
*In Ireland, primroses are scattered in front of the door of a house to prevent the Faeries from entering. In other places, however, primroses are considered to attract the Faeries, where, by carrying the correct number of blooms (this number varies) the Faeries will show themselves to you.
*Ragwort stalks are used to construct magic Faerie horses. Also, it is said that ragwort and rye grasses belong entirely to the Faeries and cannot be used against them.
*St. John's wort is a protective plant, used to break Faerie spells and heal illnesses brought on by them.
*Wild thyme is a plant under the control of the Faeries, and to have it in the house is to invite the Faeries in.
*The Faeries adore tulips in the garden and are upset if they are cut and even more if they are sold for money. Therefore it is considered unlucky to do so.