Southern Californian plants for arrows

Armando Lopez · November 29, 2015, 12:30:00 AM

Hey guys. So I'm looking to get into arrow building and I was wondering what plants found in southern California could be used for arrows. I live in the chino region but also spend a lot of time around Pasadena so anything that could easily be found near these areas would be useful. I've tried googling this, but there don't seem to be any results. Thanks in advance.

PEARL DRUMS · November 29, 2015, 09:11:00 AM

No idea where these grow in Cali, but I remember reading an article about mule fat shafts being good. Guy used them in his glass bows just fine. It was in TBM a few years back.

Armando Lopez · November 29, 2015, 05:14:00 PM

Thanks man. These grow near my mom's house so that'll be good.

Armando Lopez · November 29, 2015, 05:36:00 PM

Thanks man. These grow near my mom's house so that'll be good.

Jomohr84 · December 08, 2015, 08:25:00 PM

If you can get a copy of primitive archer apr/may 2012 edition, there is an article on making mulefat arrows in it.

KellyG · December 09, 2015, 09:12:00 AM

does Red osier dogwood grow in that part of CA? Or willows also. I bet folks have put Bamboo in your area also.

Just some Ideals.

Roy from Pa · December 09, 2015, 09:42:00 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD_5uUdTXj8

KellyG · December 09, 2015, 11:35:00 AM

Interesting for sure but not really a how too. Just look before and after. He has skills though.

I might have to try the cattail to my glue.

M60gunner · December 12, 2015, 01:54:00 PM

I knew a guy that collected reeds along a creek in San Marcos, Ca. The reeds resemble bamboo and are most likely in that family. With the drought you may have trouble locating suitable reeds. He used one of the arrows he made from the reeds, a bow he made from Mountain Juniper and a head he napped from Obsidian from Mount Lassion to harvest a deer in San Diego County.
I would try a hook you up with him but he passed away some years back.

Sal · December 12, 2015, 11:40:00 PM

There are lots of Mule fat growing anywhere there is a creek, river or wash in Southern California. If you go to the Pasadena range, mule fat grows there, so does golden currant, which is a much better arrow shaft.

If you ever find yourself by the Colorado river valley, Lake Havasu and such, there is lots of arrowweed growing on both sides of the river, tamarisk as well.