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: Switch Cane

General Information

Arundinaria tecta is an evergreen bamboo with elongated rhizomes forming loose clumps of erect canes 100 - 250cm tall. The thin-walled canes are 10 - 20mm in diameter. The plant can spread quickly to form large colonies.
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 grown in gardens, where it can be used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeastern N. America - Oklahoma to West Virgina, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Forming colonies in non-alluvial swamps, moist pine barrens, live oak woods, and along sandy margins of streams, preferring moister sites than Arundinaria gigantea.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	2.00 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

A coarse, but very strong fibre is obtained from the stems, the length depending upon the distance between the joints of the stem. As prepared, it is a yellowish ochre in colour and is suitable for coarse cordage, such as binding twine, and for paper manufacture[].

The stems are used as pipe-stems, they are split and woven into baskets and mats plus a variety of other purposes[, ].
The stems are the principal basket material of the native peoples in southeast USA, and these baskets are sold in local markets[].
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.