Laurel

Laurel
Species information
Sentience	Non-sentient
Usage	Wand wood
Status	Extant

Laurel (genus Laurus) is a genus of evergreen trees belonging to the laurel family, Lauraceae.

Wandlore

According to Garrick Ollivander, a laurel wand couldn't perform a dishonourable act, although in the quest for glory (a not uncommon goal for those best suited to these wands), laurel wands had been known to perform powerful and sometimes lethal magic. Laurel wands were sometimes called fickle, but this was unfair; the laurel wand was unable to tolerate laziness in a possessor, and it was in such conditions that it was most easily and willingly won away.

Otherwise, it would cleave happily to its first match forever, and indeed had the unusual and engaging attribute of issuing a spontaneous lightning strike if another witch or wizard attempted to steal it.

Known laurel wand owners

Unidentified 19th-century Hogwarts student (possibly)

Jacob's sibling (possibly)

Behind the scenes

• It is possible that laurel's association with glory relates to how ancient Greek and Roman cultures awarded laurel wreaths for great achievements. Continuing with a Greek mythological connection, the feature of laurel wands of issuing spontaneous lightning strikes at those seeking to steal the wand might be a reference to the Greek god of lightning, Zeus (known in Roman mythology as Jupiter or Jove).
• The choice of Jacob's sibling's second wand is player determined by their answer to Ollivander's question about what quality they were drawn to. If they reply they are most drawn to loyalty and questing for glory. Ollivander will give them a wand made of Laurel with a Phoenix feather core.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (First mentioned) (GBC version only)
• Pottermore (First appearance)
• Harry Potter (website)
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
• Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
• Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
• Hogwarts Legacy (Mentioned only)