Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: wood on August 18, 2010, 06:53:02 pm
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I've always called them snowballl trees as the flower heads in spring look like snowballs or popcorn balls. They bloom right after the lilacs. I was trying to find out the real name of the tree and the best I could do is that it is a steril version of viburnum. When I found that out you can guess the things get "pruned" regular now. They make great arrows. The lilac growing next to it does just as well. Seemed to be a bit stiffer spined than the snowball of the same diameter also less pith.
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i find lilac lacking
it needs to be fat to get a proper spine
i can get osier shafts that are much much thinner than lilac and still get my 45-55 lb spine a want
if i doo that with my lilac,the shaft is almost a half inch thick if not more
way to thick for me for arrows
i'll stick with osier until i can find a cane source ;)
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I cut the lilac dead standing they are much stiffer. There are always branches that die off next to the house when they get crowded out. The green I use for the kids. I use 45-50.
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It can be dangerous using standing dead wood for bows or arrows. You are better off cutting them green and curing them properly.
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are the snowballs fragrant. if so its probably korean spice or carlessi , both viburnum. excellent shaft material. if the shafts are hollow , its a spirea.
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...or Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. ::)