Mike, I believe that hard maple cane from northern IA . I think that is what my kiln buddy said anyway....
I agree with Brad on bow weight. Whatever you like best is best IMO.
On Zebrawood, I've heard it is a fine core wood, but never used it for core. Take a lam and with a hand on both ends, bend it a bit and see if it twists . A lot of it does. I love zebra veneers but they don't matter much if they twist a bit if thin.