Dirca Palustris (leatherwood)

[Tree_Ninja]

   Hey all,

  I wasn't sure where to post this. When I still lived in ontario I once came across leatherwood by accident. (Bogged down the chainsaw).

   Needless to say I was both angered and amazed by the strength of the bark. This was long before I even thought about bow-making. I made some bootlaces and fishing nets with it.

  Fast-forward to the present. I wish this stuff grew around here. Cedar bark doesn't even compare. The bark is so strong.  I thought I would share this little tidbit so everyone living in the area in which it grows can hunt for it this spring(and maybe trade me ?)

  Here is a link: http://ontariotrees.com/main/species.php?id=2056

It looks like any other bush. The plants I found where in an american beech stand (rich site).  Hopefully someone else finds it and posts some projects on here.

[chamookman]

Thanks for posting - interesting ! Bob

[sleek]

Faaaaascinating

[Zuma]

Good info. Thanks for postin.
The map shows a pretty big area of growth.
Zuma

[sleek]

Its in Oklahoma.  Im gonna keep an eye out for sure.

[Tree_Ninja]

I actually just  clicked on the link to the survival website at the bottom. It has some good stuff. The cordage section is great for bow strings.

[Marc St Louis]

I've seen that shrub before, seems to like growing near wet areas.  Next time I run across it I'll check it out

There's a guy where we used to live in Mattawa that makes Birch bark canoes.  Instead of using the traditional Spruce roots for binding he uses Leatherwood.