Switchcane Arundinaria tecta

Switch cane is a native bamboo in the Poaceae (grass) family found in the coastal plain and piedmont regions of the eastern US from Virginia to Florida where it grows in the understory of moist forests and wetlands.  It typically grows upright 2 to 6 feet in height but can approach 12 feet when conditions are favorable.

Plant in full sun to deep shade in moist, to wet, rich loamy soil.  Switch cane has tall thin green stems and vigorous running, rhizomes that grow in many directions. The leaves are alternate with a smooth margin and hairs. Flowers are inconspicuous and rare but appear in the spring and flowering stems die back when the seeds mature in the summer.  A. tecta can be distinguished from A. gigantea in any of the following ways: A. tecta rhizomes have air canals on the perimeter, larger top knot leaves (8 to 12 inches in length), and 2-5 compressed nodes at the base of the branches (compared to 0 -1 nodes for A. gigantea).

This native plant provides cover and food for wildlife like birds as well as being a larval host plant for butterflies. Plant along streams, ponds or bogs to stabilize banks, for naturalizing an area or use as a hedge. The native bamboos have been over-grazed by cattle and uprooted by swine, thus decreasing their populations along with loss of habitat.

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. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.