Giant Cane
Arundinaria gigantea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Arundinaria gigantea is North America's largest native bamboo, forming dense stands in southeastern wetlands and floodplains. This evergreen grass thrives in partial sun to shade with consistent moisture.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Giant Cane as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–240" H × 24"–60" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 17 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Giant cane forms dense colonies of tall, evergreen stems with arching leaves. This vigorous spreading grass can reach 6-20 feet tall and creates natural screens or windbreaks. It thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture and provides year-round structure.
Growing Giant Cane
Grow Giant Cane in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 24 to 60 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Giant Cane takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreading habit difficult to contain
- Can appear overgrown and unmanaged
- May be mistaken for invasive bamboo
Wildlife value
Giant cane provides critical nesting habitat and cover for birds, particularly ground-dwelling species. The dense colonies offer shelter for small mammals and the stems can be used by birds for nest construction.
Common questions
- Where does Arundinaria gigantea naturally grow?
- Giant Cane is native to 22 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas. It historically formed vast canebrakes in river bottoms and wetland areas.
- What growing conditions does Giant Cane prefer?
- Arundinaria gigantea tolerates full sun to partial shade but performs best with some protection from intense afternoon sun. It requires consistently moist to wet soils and is commonly found in floodplains and along stream banks.
- How tall does Arundinaria gigantea grow?
- Giant Cane can reach heights of 10-30 feet, making it the tallest native grass in North America. It spreads by underground rhizomes to form dense colonies called canebrakes.
- Is Giant Cane toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Giant Cane as toxic to livestock.
- Is Giant Cane HOA-friendly?
- Giant Cane takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Giant Cane? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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