Ash

Ash
Species information
Sentience	Non-sentient
Usage	Wand wood Broomsticks
Status	Extant

Ash (genus Fraxinus) is a type of tree belonging to the genus flowering plants in the olive and lilac family, Oleaceae, known as Fraxinus.

Broomsticks

Some early broomsticks, such as one on display in the Museum of Quidditch, were also made of ash.

Wandlore

The ash wand clung to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it would lose power and skill. This tendency was especially valid if the core was constructed of unicorn hair. Old superstitions regarding wands rarely bore close examination, but it was believed that the old rhyme regarding rowan, chestnut, ash and hazel wands (rowan gossiped, chestnut droned, ash was stubborn, hazel moaned) contained a small nugget of truth. Those witches and wizards best suited to ash wands were not lightly swayed from their beliefs or purposes.

However, the brash or over-confident witch or wizard, who often insisted on trying wands of this prestigious wood, would be disappointed by its effects. The ideal owner might be stubborn, and would certainly be courageous, but never crass or arrogant.

Known ash wand owners

Unidentified 19th-century Hogwarts student (possibly)

Charlie Weasley (first wand)

Cedric Diggory

Ron Weasley (first wand)

Colby Frey

Fischer Frey

Gerard Grey

Ewan Ward

Etymology

The tree's common English name, "ash", goes back to the Old English æsc, while the generic name originated in Latin. Both words also meant "spear" in their respective languages.

Behind the scenes

• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban states the Firebolt's handle to be made of ash. Pottermore, however, retcons this, instead listing its composition as ebony.
• In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is a gigantic ash that links the heavens (Asgard), Earth (Midgard), and the Underworld.
• In Gaelic mythology, Ireland is guarded by five legendary trees, three of which are ash. British folklorists associated its wood with healing children; one practice was to pass a sick child through a cleft in an ash tree, after which the child and tree would be bound together for life, and a change in one's health was reflected in the other (similar to the Potterverse lore).
• In medieval Europe, including Britain, ash wood was highly prized for the use of spear and arrow shafts, and also used by bowyers when yew was not available.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film) (First mentioned)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play)
• Quidditch Through the Ages
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Mentioned only)
• LEGO Harry Potter
• Harry Potter: The Character Vault
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
• Pottermore
• Harry Potter (website)
• Harry Potter: The Wand Collection
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (Mentioned only)
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
• Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
• Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions