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    Common Knotgrass

    Common · Polygonum aviculare

    Healing · Alchemical · Magical · Nutritional

    Terrain Coast, Forest, Grassland, Hills

    Description

    The plant reaches a height of 4–16 inches (10–40 cm) with strongly branched stems starting from the base, featuring prostrate or occasionally ascending branches. The nodes appear knot-like giving the plant its name. Leaves are small, alternate, elliptical or linearlanceolate, with entire margins and narrowed into a short petiole. The perianth tube is equal in length to its lobes. Flowers are small, with pale green segments edged in pink or white. Clusters of flowers are located in the leaf axils, and the leaf blades are significantly longer than the flowers.

    Location and Habitat

    Knotgrass is highly adaptable and can settle on any substrate, which is why it is widespread across all continents except the Arctic and Antarctica. In well-fertilized soils, it grows vigorously, forming a lush carpet. In East Slavic mythology, knotgrass is a symbol of fertility.

    Effects and Uses

    In folk medicine, knotgrass herb is used in the form of decoctions, powders, and fresh juice. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and boosts the immune system. It is included in herbal mixtures for treating various types of bleeding, including internal bleeding. Freshly crushed herb is applied to wounds and bruises to promote faster healing.

    Harvesting & Preparation

    • Gathering the stems and leaves without uprooting the entire plant takes a DC 9 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check or Wisdom (herbalism kit) check. On a success, you obtain 1d4 portions of usable herb.

    Items & Effects

    • Knotgrass Infusion (Tea or Decoction).
      • Creation. Requires 1 hour of gentle simmering and one portion of knotgrass. A DC 12 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check produces 1d4 doses of the infusion.
      • Drinking one dose as an action grants the following benefits for 1 hour:
        • The creature gains advantage on Strength and Constitution checks to represent the plant’s hardy spirit.
    • Knotgrass Poultice.
      • Creation. Requires 30 minutes and one portion of fresh herb. The crushed leaves are bound with clean cloth or bandages.
      • Use (Applied Externally). When applied to a creature as part of a short rest, the subject may gain an extra 1d4 hit points when spending any number of Hit Dice during a short rest.
    • Knotgrass Ward.
      • Creation. Requires 2 hours of drying and grinding the herb, plus a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check or Wisdom (herbalism kit) check. On a success, you gain 1 pouch of knotgrass powder (enough for 3 uses).
      • Use (Sprinkled in a 5-foot radius on the ground or around doorways): Creature Repellent: Tiny beasts (e.g., spiders, mice) instinctively avoid entering the powdered area unless forced or magically compelled.

    Folk Magic & Protective Lore

    • In regions where Slavic-inspired rituals are common, sprinkling knotgrass on a coffin or burying a small sachet with the deceased is believed to protect the soul from evil spirits—this could grant them safety in the afterlife or reduce necromantic reanimations in your campaign’s lore.
    • Knotgrass’s folk reputation might mean that characters can protect a campsite by forming a ring of fresh stems. At the GM’s discretion, ordinary snakes and insects avoid crossing the ring unless they succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw (or are threatened/controlled by something stronger).

    Lore

    The Latin name of the plant, Polygonum aviculare, originates from Greek words meaning "many" and "knee." This refers to the numerous and prominently marked stem nodes characteristic of many plants in the knotweed genus.

    In Slavic mythology, knotgrass was considered a plant that protected the souls of the deceased. It was used during burials to safeguard the body from evil spirits. People also believed that knotgrass helped ward off snakes and other harmful insects from homes. Symbolically, knotgrass was associated with perseverance and endurance due to its ability to grow in the most unfavorable conditions and adapt to various climates.

    This small yet resilient herb has always been close to humans. People walk over it; in villages, herds of cows and sheep trample it; even domestic poultry notice it. But knotgrass doesn't mind—it just keeps growing and growing. Game animals like ground squirrels and muskrats also enjoy nibbling on this plant. Even forest game birds such as capercaillies, black grouse, and hazel grouse come down to feast on it. It is said that this herb contains three times more vitamins than lemons, which is why animals often love to graze on it.

    From Witch’s Herbs 5E, p. 30 · Fern Flower Press