Osage Orange in the Carolinas ????

[georgelewisray]

CHANGED: 'Cape Fear Area => Carolinas' after 85 views and 1 response .......
Osage-orange, Horse-apple, Bois D'Arc, or Bodark (Maclura pomifera)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maclura_pomifera
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Wanting to try my hand at Archery ( starting with bow making ) and am looking for some Osage (60" - 80 " long) to split out a couple of staves to whittle on.

I am new to this but have a friend in the NE who just published a book on the subject and got me interested.

Stim Wilcox:
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Making-Selfbows-Stim-Wilcox/drillpress/1438991991

 

[mlzettl]

Re: Osage Orange in Cape Fear area ????

George,

Osage is pretty hard to find around here, as it does not grow naturally in the eastern US. Where I am originally from in northern Ohio, it was planted here and there by farmers as hedgerows, so you can occasionally find some. It grows in more abundance in Arkansas and east Texas I believe. In any case, it is not generally commercially harvested, so you'll need to look for specialty suppliers.

I have seen some occasionally on eBay, but it is really hit or miss.

You might want to try Googling it to see if you can find a supplier, or better yet, just ask your friend where he gets his. I have a feeling that you're going to find that you will need to have it shipped, especially for pieces as long as you are looking for.

By the way, another name for osage orange is bodark, and it has long been a favorite for bow making. I believe that American Indians used it when they could find it.

Good luck, and be sure to post some photos of your bow when it is finished.

Matt