There has been much disagreement as to whether there are one or two species of Arundinaria in N. America. We are following the treatment in the Flora of N. America[] which treats Arundinaria gigantea in the narrow sense and recognizes Arundinaria tecta as a distinct species[].

Common Name: Giant Cane

General Information

Arundinaria gigantea is an evergreen bamboo with elongated rhizomes forming loose clumps of erect canes 200 - 500cm tall, exceptionally to 800cm in areas with warm winters. The thin-walled canes are 20 - 75mm in diameter. The plant can spread quickly to form large, virtually monocultural colonies. Plants can be deciduous in the colder, northern part of its range[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It has a valuable role to play in stabilizing soils, especially along rivers, and in mitigating the effects of flood waters. It is sometimes grow in gardens, where it can be used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

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

Habitat

Forms dense thickets along riverbanks, in swamps and low woods[, ]. Found on all types of soil; at elevations from sea level to 600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Some reports say that this plant is only hardy in the milder regions of the temperate zone[, , ] though another report says that the roots are hardy to about -30°c if they are heavily mulched[].
Succeeds in full sun or dappled shade in warm, humid, damp conditions[]. Plants can tolerate up to 80% shade in woodland - spreading rapidly to colonize the area if the tree cover is removed[]. Prefers an open loam of fair quality and a position sheltered from cold drying winds[, , ]. Succeeds on peaty soils. Requires abundant moisture and plenty of organic matter in the soil[]. Plants are intolerant of drought[].
This plant used to form very extensive stands in much of south-eastern N. America, but it provides a nutritious forage and is very easily destroyed by the continuous grazing of cattle or the rooting of pigs and so has been greatly reduced in the wild[].
The rootstock is running, forming new shoots from late Spring[].
Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually - these stems grow to their maximum height in their first year of growth, subsequent growth in the stem being limited to the production of new side branches and leaves. In the case of some mature tropical species the new stem could be as much as 30 metres tall, with daily increases in height of 30cm or more during their peak growth time. This makes them some of the fastest-growing species in the world[].
Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[].
Top growth can be killed by fire, but the root system usually survives and resprouts freely after the fire[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[, , , , ]. Used as a pot-herb[].

Seed - cooked[, , ]. It can be used as a wheat substitute[, ], for which it is not much inferior[], but it is rather small and difficult to collect in quantity[]. The plants only flower at irregular intervals of several years.

Medicinal

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

Agroforestry Uses:

With its extensive running root system, the plant is ideal for helping to control soil erosion, especially along the sides of rivers[]. The extense growth of the plant provides streambank stabilization, sediment retention, and bioaccumulation of nutrients and toxins[].
So long as it can be restrained, the plant makes an excellent, dense hedge or screen[].

Other Uses

The canes are used as pipe-stems, they are split and woven into baskets and mats plus a variety of other purposes[, , ].
The hollow stems can be made into flutes[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Bamboos only flower at intervals of several years and so seed is rarely available.
Division in late spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[].
Rhizome cuttings.
Basal cane cuttings.