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Subject: Re: "Living Fence"
From: Dan Eskelson <eskelson@nidlink.com>
Organization: NetLink, Inc.
Date: Tue, 02 Mar 99 03:13:27
Message-ID: <MOD$990301.4916@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$990228.15254@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Bill Nourse wrote:

> Several years ago, I remember reading about a "living fence" that was
> used as a security/perimeter planting at certain sensitive government or
> military installations where high-impact barbed-wire or chain-link fence
> might not be appropriate or cost effective. It seems to me that the
> shrub was a relative of the Osage Orange and was called "trifoliate
> something-or-other," but I haven't been able to find anything on the Web
> about it.
>
> It had thorns about 3" long and was supposed to be an effective barrier
> against human intruders and larger animals if properly planted and
> developed. It flowered in the Spring, did not bear edible fruit. Over
> time, it would grow into a dense shrub that would actually stop a
> vehicle if it got big anough and intertwined with adjacent shrubs. I
> think it was touted as "living fence" by some industrial security
> professionals.
>
> Does anyone know what I'm talking about, and where/if it is available
> commercially?
>
> --
> Charles W. ("Bill") Nourse, Ed.D., CPP
> Memphis, Tennessee USA
> ICQ # 28643422
> http://personal.mem.bellsouth.net/~nourse
>
> "Establish yourself in God and then you will be helpful to others."
> -- St. Seraphim of Sarov

Don't have the answer to your specific query, but an alternative selection
for the same use would be Cratageus phaenopyrum, Washington Hawthorne -
native to WA DC area...check your local University or County Cooperative
Extension Service for more info.

--
Dan Eskelson
Clearwater Landscapes, Inc.
Priest River, Idaho
http://clearwaterlandscapes.com
mailto:dan@clearwaterlandscapes.com