A Guide To American Wandlore

Cherry in the United States

This very rare wand wood creates a wand of strange power, most highly prized by the wizarding students of the school of Mahoutokoro in Japan, where those who own cherry wands have special prestige. The Western wand-purchaser should dispel from their minds any notion that the pink blossom of the living tree makes for a frivolous or merely ornamental wand, for cherry wood often makes a wand that possesses truly lethal power, whatever the core. Still, if teamed with dragon heartstring, the wand ought never to be teamed with a wizard without exceptional self-control and strength of mind. Crafting a cherry wood wand presents a unique set of challenges and rewards; the wood is exceptionally dense and smooth, requiring precision and patience from wandmakers, but this meticulous process results in a wand of unmatched power and elegance. In a mesmerizing tale often recounted among students, Yuto Chihara, a legendary duelist from Mahoutokoro, showcased his cherry wood wand in a breathtaking demonstration during the International Wizarding Duel Championship. Facing an opponent with a history of unbeatable skill, Chihara's wand seemed to dance in his hand, casting spells with such precision and grace that it left the audience spellbound. His victory not only elevated his status but also added to the lore of the cherry wood's formidable prowess.

There are a great many cherry species in the United States, some native, and some introduced. Despite this variety, not all species are used equally in wand making. Some do not grow large enough, others produce low-quality wood, and yet others have too limited a range to see much use. As a result, four species of cherry dominate in the States: the Black Cherry, P. serotina, the Sweet Cherry, P. avium, the Sour Cherry, P. cerasus, and the Ornamental Cherries. Wandmakers often obtain these species from specialized orchards or local wood suppliers, with Black Cherry being particularly abundant in the eastern regions. Sweet and Sour Cherry trees are typically cultivated on the West Coast, while Ornamental Cherries are sourced largely from nurseries focused on Japanese varieties. This is not to say that one never sees wands from other cherries, just that they are vanishingly rare.

Each of these cherry species brings distinct magical traits to the wand. For instance, Black Cherry is known for its stabilizing and grounding magic, offering support to those needing control. When paired with a unicorn hair core, it enhances the wand's steadiness and loyalty. Sweet Cherry's wands are notable for enhancing charm and charisma, favored by those in leadership roles. When coupled with a phoenix feather core, they provide an extra boost in confidence and creativity, making them ideal for leaders. Sour Cherry, with its slightly stronger disposition, boosts its user's fortitude and resilience. It blends well with a dragon heartstring core, amplifying courage and protection. Lastly, Ornamental Cherries, often associated with Japanese origins, are believed to enhance beauty and foresight, making them a popular choice for diviners and seers. With a veela hair core, these wands excel in enchanting spells and divination, offering profound insights and a touch of elegance.

The Black Cherry is the most common cherry by a wide margin. The wood is easy to work with and is widely distributed in the eastern half of the country. Wands made from Black Cherry are slightly more grounded than standard cherry wands, but are still very lethal. A beautiful native wood, black cherry is readily obtainable in the States. The wood is noted for its excellent workability and rich, warm color. Black Cherry still has the lethal power that marks other cherries, but is more stabilizing and grounding. Most American wand makers prefer this species and can be dismissive of other cherry woods. Interestingly, Magical America strictly controls the export of magical Black Cherry, which explains its rarity outside the Americas.