Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Fred Arnold on August 19, 2012, 06:15:15 pm

Title: Need help identifying this vine
Post by: Fred Arnold on August 19, 2012, 06:15:15 pm

Whille felling some dead standing timber for possible staves and firewood I encountered this thorny vine with fruit. Could any of you help identify it for me?

Title: Re: Need help identifying this vine
Post by: Pat B on August 19, 2012, 06:19:17 pm

Smilax, common name cat briar or Chaney briar.
 I would not use dead standing timber for bows unless it was osage or yew.

Title: Re: Need help identifying this vine
Post by: Fred Arnold on August 19, 2012, 08:06:47 pm

Thanks Pat.  I have a couple of Mulberry standing that look rough on the trunk yet still have live branches that I was thinking might work. The last mulberry I took down was too dry to use and fractured between growth rings while floor tillering.

Title: Re: Need help identifying this vine
Post by: Pat B on August 20, 2012, 12:13:07 am

...not even mulberry. Even though it is somewhat rot resistant the early wood will deteriorate and cause delaminations.