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Good shrubs for arrows?

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The Gopher:
I'd like to plant some shrubs around my fence to spruce the yard up a bit. i figure i might as well plant some useful shrubs that can be used for arrows, might as well grow my own!

I was thinking Red Osier and some type of viburnum. What type of viburnum is the best for arrows? any other suggestions?

I live in MN, zone 4, thanks, Dan.   

jthompson1995:
Arrowwood Viburnum comes to mind quickly, Viburnum dentatum. It's not the most showy viburnum but does get attractive flowers, blue berries and got its name since it has been used by native americans for arrow shafts. It is hardy to Zone 2 so you should be fine. It can get to a lrge size but if you keep it well trimmed for arrow shafts you should be able to keep it in control.

aero86:
yes, that stuff works well.  or privet is what i used to use before i switched to bamboo/cane

Pat B:
Privet can be very invasive. The birds like the berries and distribute the seeds. I have a privet with irrigated, white and green leaves that doesn't produce berries. It will get 12' to 15' tall and across.
  Many of the viburnums grow shoots and I'd bet most would be good for arrows...as well as flowers and berries for the landscape.

aznboi3644:
A lot of our landscaping customers have a lot of big viburnum bushes.

I've been collecting shoots for a couple weeks...they make VERY strong arrow shafts...it is a very hard wood when dry.  But when freshly cut they may seem like limp noodles.

What I have noticed though is the varying density depending on location in town.  The first arrow I made was very dense and narrow for its spine...but some other shoots I've collected are 5/16 to 3/8 with a large spine difference between same diameter shoots.  Maybe some heat treating will stiffen things up a bit.

But so far I will be using viburnum shafts for all my shoot arrows...virtually unbreakable...I've shot some straight into a concrete wall to test the durablity and the tip just crushes a little bit...no splitting or breaking so far.

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