Arundinaria gigantea

Common Name(s):

Switchcane

Phonetic Spelling

ar-run-din-NAY-ree-a jy-GAN-tee-uh

Description

Switchcane is a bamboo that may grow 15 to 25 feet (usually 4 to 8 feet). The leaves are alternate with an extremely toothed margin and hairy top side. Flowers are inconspicuous and rare.

Fire Risk: This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom: Spring; Fruit/Seed/Nut: Summer

Cultivars / Varieties:

Tags:

#butterflies #birds #songbirds #wildlife plant #cover plant #host plant #ornamental grass #seeds #host #food source #fire #extreme flammability #NC native #deer resistant #native garden #native ornamental grass #food source summer

Cultivars / Varieties:

Tags:

Attributes:
Genus:

Arundinaria

Species:

gigantea

Family:

Poaceae

Country Or Region Of Origin:

E. Central & SE. U.S.A.

Fire Risk Rating:

extreme flammability

Wildlife Value:

Provides excellent cover year-round. Host plant for Southern Pearly-Eye, Creole Pearly-Eye, and various skipper species of butterfly. Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals.

Play Value:

Wildlife Food Source

Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):

High deer resistance

Whole Plant Traits:
Plant Type:

Native Plant

Ornamental Grass

Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Cultural Conditions:
Light:

Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)

Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)

Soil Drainage:

Moist

Occasionally Dry

Occasionally Wet

NC Region:

Coastal

Mountains

Piedmont

Fruit:
Display/Harvest Time:

Summer

Flowers:
Flower Color:

Insignificant

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring

Flower Description:

Inconspicuous and rare

Leaves:
Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Margin:

Serrate

Hairs Present:

Yes

Leaf Description:

Alternate with an extremely toothed margin and hairy top side