Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: fishfinder401 on October 09, 2011, 07:48:16 pm

Title: tree ID help
Post by: fishfinder401 on October 09, 2011, 07:48:16 pm

it was found in a swampy area, and has a strong smell when cut. i saw allot of them around but none larger than 2-3 across
my best guess is witch hazel but i think im wrong
http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m631/fishfinder401/?action=view&current=DSC01891.jpg
http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m631/fishfinder401/?action=view&current=DSC01891.jpg#!oZZ2QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1135.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm631%2Ffishfinder401%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DDSC018902.jpg
thanks
noel

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: Pat B on October 09, 2011, 08:04:19 pm

It's not witch hazel!  Possibly spice bush(Lindera benzoin) but it is usually a shrub and not a tree. Loves swampy, wet areas and makes a good refreshing tea if it is in fact spice bush.

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: fishfinder401 on October 09, 2011, 08:10:54 pm

is it worth trying for a bow..... well i will most likely try it anyway, but will it be worth the time
btw, the bark is relativity smooth but has allot of small raised bumps if that helps
thanks
noel

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: fishfinder401 on October 09, 2011, 08:16:12 pm

i just looked at some pics and it seems like that is what is is, but i saw no berries :-\
thanks
noel

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: HighEagle on October 09, 2011, 09:15:01 pm

It might be some kind of Beech tree... Id give it a go... Chuck

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: fishfinder401 on October 09, 2011, 09:17:10 pm

how should i treat it, i already sealed the ends, but should i debark now, or wait a little first
btw i also got a nice piece of red maple to try ;D
noel

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: HighEagle on October 09, 2011, 11:29:28 pm

Id take the bark off now allot easier now then when its dried on tight. I started debarking a Douglas maple today seasoned for two years and it is dang hard getting off. Good Luck Chuck

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: fishfinder401 on October 10, 2011, 12:12:13 am

i just debarked the red maple i got wit it and the bark came off nice and easy, but i tried the "spice bush" and the bark is hard and brittle. going to have to take a draw knife to it tomorrow when i have more time
thanks
noel

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: Alenaswa on October 11, 2011, 11:45:09 pm

The bark and leaves look like Black Gum, Nyssa sylvatica.  It likes wetland areas here in Northern IN.

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: Buckeye Guy on October 12, 2011, 09:34:19 am

Alenaswa
Welcome To Pa
Whoa first post after like 2 1/2 yrs !
Guy

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: Hrothgar on October 12, 2011, 10:33:01 am

I would guess northern spice bush. Although Rhode Island is still within the northern limits for black gum. If you can find out what the leaves look like in the fall this might tell you something--ie if they turn a brillant red.

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: fishfinder401 on October 12, 2011, 12:30:25 pm

i know its not black gum, but that is very common around here, its one of the few trees i can actually identify without question ;D
so i guess the consensus is spice bush, to bad it split from end to end, that i could have dealt with, but it also has a 360degree turn :o
thanks
noel

Title: Re: tree ID help
Post by: crooketarrow on October 12, 2011, 01:36:07 pm

  It's not black gum and no spice bush around here. But we do and I cut HAZZLE with bark just like that. It grows in stands really straight never gets more than 2 1/2 inchs around here. I'll go with HAZZLE. And yes it will make a bow as well as shoot arrows. The arrow you could almost shoot them as they are.