Giant Cane

(Arundinaria gigantea)

Giant Cane (Arundinaria gigantea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Arundinaria gigantea, commonly known as Giant Cane, is an evergreen perennial grass native to riverbanks, wetlands, and floodplain forests in the Southeastern USA. It is the only bamboo native to North America and plays a crucial role in stabilizing riverbanks and providing habitat for wildlife. Giant Cane can reach heights of up to 33 feet (10 meters), with stout, rounded, hollow stems that can exceed 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. The plant forms dense stands from a network of thick rhizomes, which contribute to its ability to spread and colonize large areas. An individual cane has a lifespan of about 10 years, and while most reproduction is vegetative, it can also produce seeds, though it flowers irregularly and infrequently.

Giant Cane is valued for its rapid growth and ability to form natural screens or hedges. It is often used for erosion control due to its extensive rhizome system. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and can adapt to a range of soil moisture conditions, from wet to well-drained. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consider containment strategies to prevent unwanted spread. It is relatively free from pests and diseases but can be susceptible to leaf rust.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 5-25 feet
  • Width: 8-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Riverbanks, wetlands, and floodplain forests in the Southeastern USA

Other Names

Common Names: River Cane, Switch Cane

Scientific Names: , Arundinaria gigantea, Arundo gigantea, Arundinaria gigantea subsp. gigantea, Arundinaria macrosperma, Arundinaria gigantea subsp. macrosperma, Arundinaria gigantea var. gigantea, Miegia macrosperma, Arundinaria bambusina, Miegia gigantea

GBIF Accepted Name: Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl.