Chapter 65: Elder Wands

An elder wand is any wand that is crafted out of wood from an elder tree. More specifically, an elder wand is any wand that has an elder shaft, an elder handle, or both.

Elder Trees

Common Elder Tree, Bark, Leaves, and Berries

The elder is a deciduous shrub or small tree. The shrub can reach from 10-26 feet in height while the tree can grow up to 50 feet tall. Elder leaves consist of from five to nine serrated leaflets arranged opposite from each other on a central stalk. The leaves are also arranged opposite each other on a branches and twigs. Elder trees have large clusters of small creamy white flowers from May until September and have clusters of small black or purple berries from July to October. Though toxic when raw, cooked elder berries are used to make elderberry wine, jams, and pies. Elder leaves turn primarily yellow in the fall.