The Unique River Cane plant
River cane or Arundinaria gigantea is an exotic-looking species like bamboo found throughout the southeastern and south-central United States. Unlike in Asia, where there are many bamboo species, river cane is also the only bamboo native to the U.S. Zoos use river cane for a natural-looking privacy border.
It belongs to a group of plants related to the grass family. River cane thrives when planted near lakes and ponds. It forms sizable dense bamboo forests. These forests of bamboo are referred to as canebrakes. River cane can reproduce like grass as it spreads underground roots called rhizomes.
Canebrakes are essential because they have dense roots that help to control erosion. Another vital purpose of canebrakes is to absorb nitrogen fertilizer runoff preventing it from polluting streams and ponds.
Add River Cane to your landscape.
River cane also creates a unique habitat for many insects and birds. Another interesting fact about river cane is that it can take a long time to flower, ranging from 30 – 40 years. If the plant flowers, it may produce seeds. The flowering stems die out after the seeds mature. Stems can range from 3 – 25 feet tall. The plant generates branches forming fanlike clusters and is also used in landscaping around lakes and ponds.
There are many uses for river cane. Fishers used cane poles for fishing, and zoos used river cane for a natural-looking privacy border. River cane is flexible and can weave and made into baskets as well.
Native Americans used river cane for many centuries to make medicines, weapons like a blowgun, build homes, and household items like plates, baskets, woven mats, and carry water. River cane was also used to make flutes.
Buy River Cane today at TN Nursery.