Can someone help me identify these woods?

[Justin.schmidt23]

So I really don't know how to identify different woods. I've been googling non stop which just confuses me. So I'd like to see if some of you gents can help me out. I tried to order them so it's tree then the following picture is its corresponding leaves.








I believe most of these are some kind of oak and maybe some hickory? I'd much rather use what's in my back yard rather than use a board from HD

[le0n]

i could be wrong, but that looks like Bay Laurel.

crush one of the leaves and smell it. see if it smell resembles a cooking spice, or the bay leaves used for cooking.

if the leaves have serrated edges, then it is something that shouldn't be eaten.

from your photos, it appears to have leaves with smooth edges.

[Justin.schmidt23]

i could be wrong, but that looks like Bay Laurel.

crush one of the leaves and smell it. see if it smell resembles a cooking spice, or the bay leaves used for cooking.

if the leaves have serrated edges, then it is something that shouldn't be eaten.

from your photos, it appears to have leaves with smooth edges.

I think may be a cherry laurel I just found out I have one in my front yard. Possible bow wood??

[le0n]

^^ i think either of those would be ok to work with.

someone can chime in if they know.

[le0n]

I think may be a cherry laurel I just found out I have one in my front yard.

if it is truly cherry laurel, you may want to read on it in terms of safe handling. i think only the leaves and fruit are poisonous, but i'd double check.

[Justin.schmidt23]

As long as I can turn it into a good serviceable bow I'll be happy

[Pat B]

Where do you live?

[Justin.schmidt23]

Where do you live?

Central florida

[mullet]

The straight one with the leaning trunk looks like a Water Oak to me. Pretty common in our woods. Kinda hard to tell which leaves you are talking about because I see Holly, Virginia Creeper, poison ivy. The shiney leaf is Water Oak, though. There are better choices for bow wood then that.

[Justin.schmidt23]

The straight one with the leaning trunk looks like a Water Oak to me. Pretty common in our woods. Kinda hard to tell which leaves you are talking about because I see Holly, Virginia Creeper, poison ivy. The shiney leaf is Water Oak, though. There are better choices for bow wood then that.

Well I have some live oak in the back would that be a better choice?

[SLIMBOB]

Better choices available than Live Oak as well.  Very heavy but low in elasticity.  I have seen one made from it so doable.  It was a small diameter branch bow.

[Justin.schmidt23]

Alright so no live oak. I have cherry laurel. If that doesn't work then it's board bows for me lol

[mullet]

If you have oak there has to Hickory or Eastern Red Cedar near by. Cedar with mostly sapwood will make a nice shooting bow. Cypress makes a good bow also. Also, look for wild citrus trees back in dense growth. In a lot of shade they will grow real straight along with persimmon.

[Justin.schmidt23]

Ok will do. Im gonna take a walk through the woods here. Apparently red mulberry grows around here and id love to get my hands on some of that.

[mullet]

I've never seen Red Mulberry in our neck of the woods. Most of the Mulberry down here is White Mulberry and is better, a very close Cousin to Osage. Also, don't rule out Magnolia.