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Arrow woods

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Metalking00:
Lately, I cant go anywhere without looking around for a good source of arrows. Around here, we don't have any of the plants that are commonly talked about for arrows, but I figured I should just look for long, straight and thin. A few plants showed up that look kinda promising, but I haven't tried any yet. One that looks to be good is oleander. It has long straight thin branches that look like they'd make great arrows. each oleander Ive seen looks like it has at least 50 near identical branches of the right size. The other is myrtle, after trimming, arrowlike branches get to about the right dimensions. Though myrtles tend to grow in peoples yards and the ones that aren't don't get trimmed much, so no suitable branches. Has anyone tried either of these? Would oleander be too soft to make a good arrow?

Ill give it a try and post the results.

PeteC:
What part of the country do you live in MK?

Pat B:
One caution...Oleander is poisonous and I'm not sure if all parts or just some parts are. Any straight shoot woods should work. Even golden rod and dog fennel will make good arrows. You must live in a warm climate. If coastal, possibly one of the hollys(Ilex vomitoria or I. glabra) or cane, a viburnum, maple, dogwood, etc.    Pat

Metalking00:
Pete, I live in southern california. Not much nature to choose from here, mostly roads and houses.

Im aware of oleanders toxicity, but felt that after being dried and sealed, no appreciable amount of its poison would be transferred.
I tried making an arrow of texas privet today as it had some straight shoots up to 10 feet long, and the right diameter. Some shoots were even dry on the tree. The wood proved too weak and even a thick arrow was only suitable for maybe a 10 pound bow.

Tomorrow, Ill grab a few oleander shoots to dry and test. Ill also take a look around the olive trees for some suitable branches.

M-P:
Hi,  Southern CA should have lots of salt cedar.  Also known as tamarisk, it produces a lot of straight shoots and was a common arrow wood in the drier parts of asia.  Northern CA has a fair amount of witch Hazel.  You may be able to find it if you have access to moist, shady areas ( north facing slopes and canyon bottoms.)
Ron

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