Canebrake bamboo, Cane Reed, Giant cane

Arundinaria gigantea

Basic Information

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

Genus: arundinaria

Plant ID (slug): arundinaria-gigantea

Numeric ID: 22403

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Arundinaria gigantea is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southeastern N. America - Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Oklahoma to North Carolina, Florida and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[11, 22, 46, 105, 183]. Used as a pot-herb[236]. Seed - cooked[46, 61, 161]. It can be used as a wheat substitute[2, 105], for which it is not much inferior[213], but it is rather small and difficult to collect in quantity[159]. The plants only flower at irregular intervals of several years.

Medicinal Uses

Cathartic The root is cathartic. A decoction has been used to stimulate the kidneys and 'renew strength'[257].