Elder trees (Sambucus adoxaceae) have around 5 to 30 species of deciduous shrubs, small trees and perennial plants. They are found throughout the northern and southern hemispheres in moderate to subtropical climates. The leaves are pinnate (feather-like) with 5 to 9 leaflets. The small clustered flowers are white or cream colored in the spring, followed by clusters of small black, blue-black or red berries. They need nitrogen rich soil and light, but are not fussy about the soil type or pH level.


This type of wand can be damaged easily, but recovers quickly. It is not a very common type of wand wood. When it backfires, it will kill the wielder. It takes a remarkable wizard to be able to handle this wand. As children, most of you grew up with the fabled Deathly Hallows 'Tale of the Three Brothers'. The Elder wand is rumored to be the most powerful wand in wizarding history. According to legend, whoever reunites it with the other two Hallows, the Resurrection Stone and the Cloak of Invisibility, would become Master of Death.