Alder

Alder (Alnus)
Species information
Endemic to	North temperate zone
Sentience	Non-sentient
Usage	Wand wood
Status	Extant

Alder (genus Alnus) is the common name of a genus of flowering plants (Alnus) belonging to the birch family (Betulaceae). The genus comprises about 30 species of monoecious trees and shrubs, few reaching large size, distributed throughout the North Temperate Zone and in the Americas along the Andes southwards to Argentina.

Wandlore

Whilst alder made for an unyielding wood, its ideal owner was not stubborn or obstinate, but often helpful, considerate and most likeable. Whereas most wand woods sought similarity in the characters of those they would best serve, alder was unusual in that it seemed to desire a nature that was, if not precisely opposite to its own, then certainly of a markedly different type.

When an alder wand was happily placed, it became a magnificent, loyal helpmate. Of all wand types, alder was best suited to non-verbal spell work, whence came its reputation for being suitable only for the most advanced witches and wizards.

Alder was also excellent for protection against outside forces, and, when combined with phoenix feather, was a suitable match for a wizard who would "make their mark on this world".

Known alder wand owners

Quirinus Quirrell

Lottie Turner

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (First appearance)
• Pottermore
• Harry Potter (website)
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
• Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
• Hogwarts Legacy (Mentioned only)