Mandragora officinarum

The mandrake, made famous by Harry Potter, thought they have been prominent in folk lore for centuries. Has a deep tap root that frequently branches in a way that looks sort of (not really) like a person, that was supposed to be able to scream when you pulled them up and condemn anyone who pulled them to hell. The roots, however, were used in medicine (not recommended... it is fairly toxic) so people would actually tie the plants to animals to make THEM pull them up so as to avoid going to hell themselves. Attractive foliage and pretty purple flowers in the spring, goes summer dormant. Essential for children's gardens due to the Harry Potter associations. Zone 7

Mandrake. Few plants embody the levels of myth, magic and witchcraft that this innocuous bit of herbage possesses. In deep loamy soil the roots can reach 4' taking on human shapes if you're in an altered state. Lush green leaves and purple tinged white flowers. Poisonous. Good drainage.