giant cane

Plant Type

Grass/Grass-like

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-25 ft. tall
8-20 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By division

Plants/Diseases

Occasionally contracts rust and leaf spots.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds, Supports numerous caterpillars (bird food)

Leaves

Simple alternate lanceolate sheaths with entire margins.

Flowers

Inconspicuous and rare.

Fruit

Caryopsis.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Riparian forests, bottomland forests, stream banks, and seeps.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the coastal plain. Uncommon in the piedmont. Common in the mountains.