Plants

Plants of Faerûn The diverse environments of Faerûn foster a wide range of flora, from the towering trees of the High Forest to the hardy desert plants of Anauroch. Many of these plants are more than just background scenery—some hold great magical properties, while others are integral to the lives and cultures of the peoples who dwell within the Forgotten Realms.

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Medicinal Plants

• Blueleaf: Found primarily in temperate forests, blueleaf trees are known for their vibrant blue-green leaves. The bark and leaves have mild healing properties, often used by healers to treat minor wounds and burns.
• Willowshade Fruit: A rare fruit that grows near water sources, particularly in swamps. The fruit is highly sought after for its healing juices, which can be used to cure various ailments, including fevers and minor poisons.
• Bloodroot: This red-stemmed plant is native to dark forests and the Underdark. Its sap is a key ingredient in many potions used to treat infections, though improper handling can be harmful.
• Featherleaf: A delicate plant found in grassy plains and hills. It’s commonly used in herbal teas to aid sleep or calm anxiety, with its fluffy, feather-like leaves soothing even the most troubled mind.

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Magical and Alchemical Plants

• Belladonna: Also known as deadly nightshade, belladonna grows wild in many regions of Faerûn. While it is extremely poisonous, skilled alchemists can distill its toxins into potent poisons or create antidotes for more dangerous venoms.
• Mandrake: Mandrake roots, found in dark and damp environments, are highly valued in alchemy and necromancy. The root’s humanoid shape is said to scream when uprooted, causing harm to those nearby, but its essence can be used in powerful potions.
• Fireleaf: A fiery red plant that grows near volcanic areas and hot springs. Its leaves are warm to the touch and are often used in fire-based magic or potions to enhance heat resistance.
• Silverthorn: This rare shrub is known for its silver-colored thorns and silvery leaves. It’s commonly used in spells and potions of protection, as the plant is believed to ward off evil spirits.
• Nightshade Lily: This beautiful, deep purple lily blooms only under the light of the moon. The petals are used in various enchantments and potions, often related to illusion magic or divination.

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Edible and Culinary Plants

• Moonstalk Mushrooms: Found deep in the Underdark and shaded forests, these faintly glowing mushrooms are prized for their unique flavor. While the mushrooms are generally safe to eat, they can have slight hallucinogenic effects if not prepared properly.
• Fellthorn Berries: Native to the cold northern regions of Faerûn, these small, sharp-tasting berries are used in stews and baked goods. They are known to boost stamina and ward off illness during harsh winters.
• Desert Rose: This hardy plant thrives in arid environments like Anauroch. Its petals can be harvested and made into a refreshing, hydrating tea that helps stave off heat exhaustion.
• Sunblossom: A bright, yellow flower that grows in temperate regions. Its seeds are a popular snack, while its petals are often used to garnish salads or enhance the flavor of hearty dishes.
• Swordgrass: A sharp-bladed grass that grows in open fields and along coastal cliffs. Though difficult to harvest due to its razor-like leaves, it can be ground into a nutritious flour, often used by nomadic tribes.

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Poisonous Plants

• Black Lotus: Known for its deep black petals, this lotus is highly toxic and used by assassins to brew deadly poisons. Even a small amount of its essence can cause paralysis or death.
• Deathwort: A tall, spindly plant that grows in shadowy, swampy areas. Its sap is extremely poisonous, often used by those who wish to craft lethal poisons. It is rumored that some dark cults cultivate deathwort for use in their rituals.
• Widow’s Weave: This creeping vine grows in the darkest parts of forests and ruins. Its black, web-like vines contain a toxin that can cause hallucinations or madness when ingested, making it a dangerous plant to encounter.

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Sacred and Symbolic Plants

• Tree of Souls: This ancient and revered tree grows in the High Forest and is worshipped by many elven and druidic cultures. It is said that the souls of elves who pass away peacefully are drawn to the tree, which blooms with ethereal white flowers during such events.
• Evermoss: A magical moss that grows on ancient stones and ruins. It’s said to have been created by the gods themselves to protect sacred places. Evermoss glows faintly at night and can be used in rituals to call upon divine favor.
• Heartwood Tree: Found deep in the forests of Faerûn, this tree is a symbol of endurance and strength. The wood from the Heartwood tree is often used to craft the staves and wands of powerful druids and clerics.
• Silverleaf: This shimmering tree grows only in places touched by ancient magic, such as Myth Drannor or Evermeet. Its leaves are often used in elven ceremonies and are believed to hold powerful divinatory properties.

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Carnivorous and Dangerous Plants

• Corpse Flower: A massive, foul-smelling flower that grows in the swampy regions of the Sword Coast and beyond. The plant attracts and devours small animals, and its roots are rumored to feed on the dead. It’s considered dangerous to both adventurers and animals alike.
• Tangleroot: This aggressive plant can be found in forests and jungles, using its vine-like roots to trap and strangle prey. Many a traveler has fallen victim to these stealthy vines, which often hide beneath foliage.
• Bloodvine: Found in the jungles of Chult, this vine feeds off the blood of its victims. Though slow-moving, its ability to latch onto anything that comes too close makes it a feared plant among explorers.

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From the peaceful willow to the deadly black lotus, the plants of Faerûn provide an intricate and often dangerous backdrop to the world. Many adventurers know that the right knowledge of these plants can mean the difference between life and death in the untamed wilds of the Forgotten Realms.