Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl., giant cane 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, robust, rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 4 to 20 feet. 
Leaf blade: 5 to 12 inches long; at least 1/2 inch wide; tapers 
to a sharp point; generally, groups of 3 to 5 blades at end 
of small branches; a short petiole between blade and 
sheath. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded; overlapping. 
Ligule: Row of short hair. 
Stem: Hollow; woody. 
Seedhead: Open panicle; 8 to 12 spikelets per seedhead. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Produces green leaves and stems all year. Grows vigorously 
from rhizomes and from axillary buds at basal nodes. Grows in 
small colonies, thickets, and large canebrakes. Makes vigorous 
growth under a dense stand of trees. (Recent literature indicates 
that giant cane and switch cane may be the same species with dif- 
ferent growth characteristics due to environment. ) 
DISTRIBUTION 
From east Texas and Oklahoma to the Atlantic coast, north to 
Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Adapted to moist soils along riverbanks and in bottom lands 
and similar sites. Does best on soils of high fertility. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Giant cane provides lots of high-quality forage for cattle, 
horses, hogs, and sheep. It is valued for summer grazing in north- 
ern part of range and for winter grazing in states along gulf 
coast. Stems of this grass are also used for fishing poles, pipe- 
stems, baskets, and mats. 
This grass is easily killed by overgrazing and uncontrolled 
burning. For maximum production, no more than 50 percent of 
current year’s growth by weight should be grazed off at any sea- 
son. Controlled burning should be done under ideal humidity, soil 
moisture, and wind conditions no oftener than every 3 to 4 years. 
Deferred grazing for at least 90 days during summer every 2 to 3 
years improves plant vigor. Overgrazed stands require complete 
protection from grazing and fire during growing season to allow 
plants to regain vigor. 
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