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The Herbarium

A Field Guide to Real and Imaginary Plants

Fernsong

Magia digita

Somnaceae (the Dream family)

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Description

A shrubby perennial with woody stems and aromatic foliage. Compound pinnate leaves with 7-13 leaflets arranged alternately.

Large, solitary blooms open at dusk and close before dawn, colored ember red. Blooms during the new moon.

Habitat

Restricted to a single valley, unknown outside its mountain home.

Traditional Uses

The root makes a mordant dye ranging from grey to silver depending on preparation.

Folklore

Said to be beloved by bees from hives that produce the clearest honey.

Similar Species

Hybridizes with Shadowbloom.

Conservation

Vulnerable due to habitat loss.

Field Notes

Best observed in early morning when dew collects on the leaves.