Giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea, Cat. Pl. Amer. Sept.: 14 (1813))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Walter) Muhl.

Bibliography: Cat. Pl. Amer. Sept.: 14 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arundinaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & SE. U.S.A.

Description

Giant cane, scientifically known as Arundinaria gigantea, is an enduring and resilient species native to the eastern and southeastern regions of the United States. This prominent member of the Poaceae family was formally cataloged in the early 19th century, being first described in Muhlenberg’s “Catalogue of Plants of North America” in 1813.

The giant cane is a perennial bamboo-like grass notable for its considerable height, which can reach up to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet). This towering stature makes it not only an impressive sight but also a vital component of its native ecosystems. In the wild, Arundinaria gigantea populates a variety of environments, often flourishing in moist, fertile soils along riverbanks, floodplains, and in forests where its robust root system helps to prevent soil erosion.

Ecologically, giant cane plays a significant role by providing habitat and food for wildlife, including several endangered species. It serves as a crucial cover for birds and small mammals and is an essential food source for certain herbivores.

Culturally and historically, giant cane has held significance for indigenous peoples who utilized it for making structures, crafting tools, and even musical instruments due to its strong, flexible stems. Today, the plant is valued for its potential in soil conservation efforts and its ornamental appeal in landscape gardening.

Despite its adaptability and usefulness, the giant cane faces threats from habitat destruction and competition with invasive species. Conservation efforts are essential to maintain and restore populations of this remarkable plant, ensuring it continues to thrive in its natural habitat and contribute to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: giant cane, switch cane
En: Giant cane, Switch cane
Cs: Rákosovec obrovský
Fi: Amerikankaislabambu

Synonyms

• Miegia macrosperma ((Michx.) Pers.)
• Ludolfia macrosperma ((Michx.) Willd.)
• Arundinaria macrosperma var. arborescens (Munro)
• Miegia gigantea ((Walter) Nutt.)
• Nastus macrospermus ((Michx.) Raspail)
• Triglossum bambusinum (Fisch.)
• Arundinaria gigantea subsp. macrosperma ((Michx.) McClure)
• Arundinaria bambusina ((Fisch.) Trin.)
• Bambusa hermannii (E.G.Camus)
• Miegia arundinacea (Torr. ex Munro)
• Arundo gigantea (Walter)
• Arundinaria macrosperma (Michx.)
• Miegia arundinaria (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 14, 2020 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Caleb Usadi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Liliana Stark (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Caleb Usadi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 21, 2013 by EOL − Matt Muir (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 20, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Martin Diego (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 1, 2020 by Dustin Marsau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2013 by EOL − Matt Muir (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705964)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1126471-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Rhizomatous

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub, Graminoid

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.9

Ph minimum: 5.0