Tree I.D.?

[snag]

I found some trees while hunting that have about 8 elongated leaves that are symmetrically places on the branches. Where the branch comes off the main trunk of the tree is 2 (one on either side of the limb) 1/2" thorns. Any idea what they are? Looked like possible bow wood...?

[sailordad]

does it have little seed pods,kinda like a pea pod only smaller seeds inside
what is the bark like,is it large or small
are the thorns on the trunk,or on the branches near the leaves
i would say black locust from your description
but without more info or pics it could be that ever elusive
crunch berry tree 

[snag]

The thorns come out from the main trunk right where the limb grows out of the trunk..one on either side of the branch.  I didn't notice any seed pods. They may have fallen off already. Most of the leaves were off the tree except a few yellowing leaves on the upper limbs.  The bark was kind of smooth like an alder and it was brownish. Seemed like the bark was thin like a white wood also.

[sailordad]

well that would more than likely NOT be b.l.
maybe some other kind of locust

from what i have always been told "if it has fruit,nuts or thorns its bow wood"
so i say go for it

[snag]

So be it, it's bow wood! haha

[n2huntn]

honey locust?

[Simple Hunter]

  I agree with n2huntin

[sailordad]

if i remeber right
honey locust have thorns all over the trunk and very large to as the tree gets large

[okiecountryboy]

Honey locust does have large thorns on the trunk. Also usually 10-12 symetrical leaves, not really elongated and rather small.
The bark would be thin, also with many cracks in the bark of more mature trees.
The seed pods are much like mesquite (like sailordad mentioned).
Not sure, but as was said...Some kind of locust?

Ron

[swamp monkey]

Based on your description honey locust  (Gleditsia triacanthos) is most likely what you observed.  The leaves you describe are compound.  A tree with compound leaves and thorns on the trunk really narrows things down.  This tree ranges from Texas, across the deep south into the NE.  TBB v. 4 indicates HL has more sapwood than Black Locust but will make a bow, and a sapwood only bow can come from it is longer or wider.  Careful working it.  I have cut these before and they have a way of reaching up to "bite" ya.

Funny how sitting in the woods makes you think about trees and bow making.

[snag]

I haven't even finished my first selfbow and I am already looking at trees with ideas of sawing them down. The thorns are just at the base of the limbs where they grow out of the main trunk..one on each side. The leaves are symmetrical on the limb and they are elongated and probably about 6" long.

[snag]

http://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/WhatTree.cfm?ItemID=w39c

Oregon Ash! Maybe... Does Ash make good selfbows?

[swamp monkey]

http://www.arborday.org/trees/whattree/WhatTree.cfm?ItemID=w39c

Oregon Ash! Maybe... Does Ash make good selfbows?

Oregon!?  Crimeny,  I totally blew that one.  I do not even know if Black locust grows in Oregon.  I will do some more arbor digging.  Sorry about that I should not have assumed your location.  My bad.  I am aware of prickly ash having some small thorns, but it does not get vary large here in MO. 

Many Ashes will make a good self bow just treat it like you would hickory in my experience.  Avoid Blue Ash.  One note, Here in MO the white, pumpkin and green ash get hard when dry; so I like to rough a bow out a bit while the wood is green and then let it petrify - er I mean dry properly.