HERB - FW: [Norsefolk] thorn needles, was Bone needles

[Union County Historical Society and Heritage Museum]

There is a tree is the south (US) that is commonly known as "horse apple".
It is actually a beau d' arc or bodock.  The apples are not edible - have
some insecticide qualities, but the tree is very thorny and the wood very
hard - used for bows and fence posts.  The thorns grow several inches long
and could be used as needles.   Don't know if they grow in your area, but
are common  here in Mississippi.  Hope this helps. JS
-----Original Message-----
From: dwilson <dwilson at nbnet.nb.ca>
To: herbalist at ansteorra.org <herbalist at ansteorra.org>
Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2000 11:21 AM
Subject: HERB - FW: [Norsefolk] thorn needles, was Bone needles


>  Any one know of any apple trees with thorns that could be used as
needles?
>Also hawthorns grow wild all over the north do they grow in the southern
>states?
>Thank you
>Sheepstealer
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: dwilson at nbnet.nb.ca [mailto:dwilson at nbnet.nb.ca]
>Sent: December 19, 2000 11:38 PM
>To: Norsefolk at egroups.com
>Subject: RE: [Norsefolk] thorn needles, was Bone needles
>
>
>  I am not sure this is what we are talking about but I have never seen an
>apple tree with thorns. I think Shara is talking about Hawthorne thorns.
>http://members.nbci.com/wendysweb/haw.jpg
>  I make needle cases and the thorns are like straight pins so I give them
>away with the cases.  If you go to
>http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hawtho09.html   you will find out
>that hawthorns are all over the northern hemisphere and would have been
>accessible to people in period.  I have no proof they were ever used as
>needles.
>Sheepstealer
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Shara " <shara at 1nol.com>
>
>
>>     Not bone etc, but another thing that makes great needles
>> (i.e. I've made them) and grows in the scandanavian countries is
>> the thorns of crab-apple trees.      The wood is quite hard. Reddish-
>> hued, great "needle" sizes, can be sanded slick smooth,and some oil
>> and a touch of wax added.   Needles have a sleight curve, and are
>> very comfortable to use.   The point on them is naturally very hard
>> and sharp.
>>    just a thought
>> Shara
>
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