This species is one of two bamboo that are native to the continental United States.
     It grows to a height of 20 feet with a diameter of 1 inch. It is very adapted to swampy
sites and unlike other temperate bamboo it can be planted in areas that do not drain.

     Indians loved hunting in the "canebrakes" because they were the hiding
 grounds of bears, deer, panthers, wildcats, turkeys and other small game.

     The branches of this bamboo are short, usually much less than
 one foot, stiffest, and are initiated before the culms reach full height.

     These canes have a broad tolerance for weather and soil. They grow from sea level
 to 2,000 feet in the Appalachian Mountains. They have been found growing in all types
 of soil from sandy, rock cliffs and mountain slopes to muck lands and rich alluvial areas
 of the coastal plains. They can withstand extreme temperatures of -10 degrees to 105 degrees.

The series of photos below show our 'gigantea' at an exclusive resort in Destin, Florida. We
have shipped and delivered this bamboo to them on three different occasions.




 

Above and below show gigantea along walkways and boardwalks.

 








Shown above are our large 3 gallon sizes in this species. Most will
have 12 pound root balls and be 6 feet in height we shipped.



Over the years, we have seen an increase in the usage
of this species by many gardeners in urban settings. With many up
scale subdivisions allowing the planting only of native species, there
has been a big jump in our inventory demand. Our main groves are
accessible by water only. As shown, they are transported by our 24
foot work pontoon boat. It is a unique operation and envied
by many. This is one species we enjoy digging and transporting. It is
really nice to transport in this method with all the beautiful Fall colors
on Wolf Creek. This is not an office job and it does have its perks.

 

Below we photographed this beautiful little grove of A. gigantea 'Canebreak' or
'Rivercane' in a natural setting deep in the woods. This thick little grove receives
only 3 to 4 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Due the deep wooded location this
grove had matured at 12 to 14 feet in height.