Arundinaria Species, Canebrake Bamboo, Giant Cane, River Cane, Switch Cane

Arundinariagigantea

Family
Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Arundinaria (ar-run-din-NAY-ree-a)
Species
gigantea (jy-GAN-tee-uh)
Synonym
Arundinaria bambusina
Arundinaria gigantea subsp. macrosperma
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Provides Winter Interest
Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time
Other Details
Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Atmore, Alabama

New Market, Alabama

Tuskegee, Alabama

Vista, California(9 reports)

Wilmington, Delaware

Trenton, Florida

Plainfield, Indiana

Clermont, Kentucky

Georgetown, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky

Violet, Louisiana

Saucier, Mississippi

Statesville, North Carolina

Hulbert, Oklahoma

Fayetteville, Pennsylvania

Greencastle, Pennsylvania

Bluffton, South Carolina

Conway, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Lexington, South Carolina

Pelion, South Carolina

Nashville, Tennessee

Lake Jackson, Texas

Alexandria, Virginia

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
3
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
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B
Lincolnia, VA | July 2012 | positive

I live in northern VA, and I understand that the canebrake grows well here. I'm calling all the local nurseries and searching Craisglist ...Read More

A
A
Nashville, TN | October 2010 | positive

This plant is very abundant in my area, forming dense colonies on moist hillsides and creek-banks. It is useful for controlling erosion ...Read More

R
Statesville, NC | December 2009 | positive

This plant is a very valuable species for wildlife. Canebreaks are an important part of the southeast flora. Tolerant of fire and actuall...Read More

1
Bluffton, SC (Zone 9a) | April 2007 | neutral

this is an invasive native throughout South Carolina and spreads, but slowly. the old canes a wonderful stakes for plants and make good c...Read More

F
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | November 2006 | neutral

Canebrake Bamboo Arundinaria gigantea is native to Texas ans other States.

H
Fayetteville, PA (Zone 6b) | April 2006 | positive

I found some of this bamboo growing alongside the road outside of Chattanooga, TN, and dug up three small divisions (all of which survive...Read More

N
N
Tallahassee, FL (Zone 8b) | February 2005 | neutral

Canebrake Bamboo, also known as Giant Cane, is a very common and conspicous bamboo in the southeast, forming the so-called "canebrakes"...Read More

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