Wood in the Wizarding World

Wood is a fundamental and magically significant material in the wizarding world, serving as the primary component for two of the most essential magical instruments: wands and broomsticks. The specific type of wood used in an object has a profound influence on its characteristics, personality, and magical capabilities. The study of how different woods interact with magical cores and wizards, particularly in the context of wand creation, is a complex and ancient branch of magic known as wandlore.

The choice of wood is paramount in the crafting of a wand. As explained by the famed wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, every wand has a unique temperament derived from the tree from which its wood was taken. The principle that “the wand chooses the wizard” is based on the idea that a wand's wood must find a compatible personality in its owner to perform at its best. Certain woods are known to be selective, while others are more adaptable. The following woods were identified in the novels as being used for wands:

• Ash: The wood of Ron Weasley's first wand, which he inherited from his brother Charlie Weasley. This wand was later broken by the Whomping Willow.
• Chestnut: The wood of the wand belonging to Peter Pettigrew. Garrick Ollivander also used it to repair Rubeus Hagrid's broken wand, which was concealed in his pink umbrella.
• Ebony: Noted by Garrick Ollivander as a handsome black wood with an impressive reputation, suitable for all kinds of combat magic and Transfiguration.
• Elder: The rarest and most powerful wand wood, used for the Elder Wand, one of the three Deathly Hallows. It is exceptionally difficult to master and is drawn to wizards of great power and ambition.
• Holly: The wood of Harry Potter's wand. According to wandlore, holly is a protective wood that works most happily for those who may need help overcoming a tendency to anger and impetuosity.
• Hornbeam: The wood of Viktor Krum's wand. It was described by Garrick Ollivander as being uncompromising and having a particular affinity for witches and wizards with a single, pure passion.
• Mahogany: The wood of James Potter's wand, noted by Garrick Ollivander as being pliable and excellent for Transfiguration. The Nimbus 2000 broomstick also has a mahogany handle.
• Maple: Mentioned by Garrick Ollivander as a beautiful wood favoured by high achievers and ambitious wizards.
• Rosewood: The wood of Fleur Delacour's wand.
• Vine: The wood of Hermione Granger's wand. Garrick Ollivander notes that wands of this wood are among the less common types.
• Walnut: The wood of Bellatrix Lestrange's wand. Garrick Ollivander describes it as a highly intelligent wood that can be “tamed” by a wizard of great intelligence and adaptability.
• Willow: A common wand wood favoured for its healing properties. Both Lily Potter and Ron Weasley (his second wand) owned willow wands.
• Yew: The wood of Lord Voldemort's wand. Yew wands are among the rarer kinds and are reputed to endow their owners with the power of life and death, making them formidable in duelling and for all curses.

The type and quality of wood are also critical in the construction of broomsticks, affecting their speed, handling, and durability. Different parts of the broomstick may be made from different woods.

• Ash: The handle of the world-class Firebolt racing broomstick is made from polished ash, chosen for its hardness and resilience.
• Birch: Used for the twigs in a broomstick's tail, particularly in older or more basic models like the Shooting Star.
• Hazel: The wood used for the handles of the Cleansweep series.
• Mahogany: The handle of the Nimbus 2000 is made from this wood.

Beyond wands and brooms, wood appears in numerous other magical contexts:

• Living Magical Trees: The wizarding world is home to many magical trees, such as the violent Whomping Willow on the Hogwarts grounds and the ancient, semi-sentient trees within the Forbidden Forest.
• Enchanted Objects: Wood is a common material for a wide array of enchanted items. Examples include the seven-locked magical trunk used by Barty Crouch Jr., the sentient portrait frame of The Fat Lady, the enchanted door to the Hall of Prophecy in the Department of Mysteries, and the Vanishing Cabinet used by Draco Malfoy.

• Much of the detailed information regarding the properties and personalities of various wand woods comes not from the original seven novels, but from supplementary writings by J.K. Rowling published on the Pottermore website (now Wizarding World). (Pottermore)
• J.K. Rowling has stated in interviews that she assigned the wand woods to the main trio based on the Celtic tree calendar, which associates birth dates with specific trees. Harry Potter's birthday (31 July) corresponds to Holly, Ron Weasley's (1 March) to Ash, and Hermione Granger's (19 September) to Vine. (J.K. Rowling interview)