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Birch (genus Betula), is a broad-leaved deciduous hardwood tree in the family Betulaceae which also includes alders, hazels and hornbeams and is closely related to the beech/oak family, Fagaceae.

Broomsticks[]

Twigs of either birch or hazel were used in the construction of Firebolt broomsticks depending on the purchaser's personal preference. Birch was known to give more "oomph" in higher ascents, but hazel was useful for hair-trigger steering.[4]

Wand-making[]

It could be used as a wand wood. Garrick Ollivander's associate in the Hogsmeade branch was known to sell.[2]

Known birch wand owners[]

Behind the scenes[]

  • Birching is a form of corporal punishment with a birch rod, typically applied to the recipient's bare buttocks, although occasionally to the back and/or shoulders. The practice of "birching" aligns perfectly with the actions of the only known owner of a birch wand, Dolores Umbridge.
  • Another possible owner of a birch wand is a previous headmistress of Hogwarts, whom Harry Potter described as "gimlet-eyed". He thought her wand looked unusually thick and not unlike a birch rod. Her offer to "persuade" Phineas Nigellus Black with her wand also suits the practice of birching.

Appearances[]

Notes and references[]

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