Hi guys. This is a really old thread!
So, have I made any arrows from this lately?... nope. But I've harvested some and looked at it and said to myself, "Self, this looks like too much work right now, so skip it."
I made some arrows from this in the past and they worked well. The shafts can be hand straightened or heat straightened... a lot like birch but lighter. I've been doing a lot of reading on desert southwest arrows made from this stuff and it goes by many names. Most sources call it desert broom. It's known as poverty weed or Roosevelt weed to the botanists. But archaeologists call it desert broom, arrow weed, greasewood, and probably a couple other names....all inaccurate. (edited)
It grows in the worst soil conditions, is drought tolerant, and can be found along roadsides thoughtout most of Texas. Choose shoots that are 1/2" thick on the fat end and cut it as long as possible... 30" or more if you can. It dries quick, about two months with the bark off. I don't know about bark-on drying because I always peel it right away. I toss out any that split... maybe 1 out of 5 will split.
I would love to make more arrows and foreshafts from this stuff but it's time consuming because of all the little kinks that need to be removed when straightening. But once you get it straight and sanded down, it works great. It's great for basketry too, by the way, after soaking in water.
