Has anyone tried Madrone for building a bow? It grows in the Pacific Coast Range as well as the Sierras. It grows tall and straight, with few branches and is slick barked similar to Manzanita, so it appears to be a good candidate for bow construction. Very dense wood and hard enough that an axe will bounce off it. The best trees seem to be at high elevation in the same area where Yew is found. Any past experience with this wood would be appreciated.

I did a quick search and found nothing positive about it in regards to self bows. I'd look for cascara, yew, ocean spray or vine maple in your neck of the woods.

I wasn't aware of the existence of the wood data base. Looks to be something handy for future use. And also for suggesting Cascara, I never would have considered it. After reading about the properties of Madrone, it appears that I was barking up the wrong tree. Must be the reason why there is no record of the Indians using it, as Yew is abundant in the same area. Thanks for the info.

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