Hazel, it's plentiful (in UK) grows straight, v few knots, easy to work, takes heat bending and heat treatment. Very little grain to worry about although it can grow twisted, the rings are barely visible as it barely stops growing over winter, no sooner than it's lost it's leaves the catkins start appearing
Maybe not the fastest bows and won't take a narrow deep longbow style without chrysals. But it's great to have a go with.
I'm currently working on a Hazel warbow, aiming for 90# at about 31" but with full 32" draw.
It's at that stage where I'm getting nervous....
Del