Author Topic: What species of trees ? (Read 161 times)

lpcjon2 · « **on:** March 27, 2010, 10:13:00 AM »

I have read on here that guys see trees of certain species and such while afoot in the woods and use them for their bows and arrows.So what species of trees are around the north east that are good for bows and arrows.And any pics to help recognize these species would help.Thanks

Pat B · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2010, 11:50:00 AM »

Almost any hardwood or fruit tree will work for bows. The Audubon Field Guide of North American Trees(Eastern edition) is a great reference for identifying trees.

dirtguy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2010, 12:07:00 PM »

In the northeast hickory was commonly used by native americans and still makes a nice bow. There are many species of hickory around (shagbark, pignut, bitternut, shellbark) and all will work. If you look on line, you can find good ID pictures. Shagbark hickory is very easy to ID becasue of the distinctive bark. If you are really interested, look up Jim Hamm's books

poison arrow · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2010, 06:13:00 PM »

I have a great big old Black Ash tree on my property in Maine.

Jim now in Kentucky · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2010, 07:17:00 PM »

White ash is better than black ash, Hornbeam is good, black locust is good, hickory as above.

SELFBOW19953 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2010, 08:24:00 PM »

In south Jersey, look for osage on the farms in your area. Delaware has lots of it. Should be plenty of black locust, green ash (white ash is better than green ash, too-it's used in baseball bats), american elm, mockernut hickory. You might find persimmon, hackberry, or red (slippery) elm also. You have to be careful with common names of trees, for instance, iron wood is a different tree in different parts of the country. Some areas it's ostrea virginiana (muscle wood, found in swampy areas), others it's carpinus carolinana (hop hornbeam). Same common name, totally different species.