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 Giant
reed, also known as wild cane, is a tall, perennial grass that can
grow to over 20 feet in height.
Its fleshy, creeping rootstocks form compact masses from which
tough, fibrous roots emerge that penetrate deeply into the soil.
Leaves are elongate, 1-2 inches wide and a foot long.
The flowers are borne in 2-foot long, dense, plume-like panicles .
ecological treat:: Giant reed chokes riversides and stream channels,
.
The long, fibrous, interconnecting root mats of giant reed form a
framework for debris dams behind bridges, culverts, and other
structures that lead to damage.
It ignites easily and can create intense fires.
Giant reed can float miles downstream where root and stem fragments
may take root and initiate new infestations.
Cultivation: Unlike most reeds and rushes, they do not require
waterlogged soil although they tolerate it well.
Any well-drained soil that does not dry out entirely will do.
They prefer full sun or light shade and may be propagated from seed
or by division.
Versicolor is a popular variegated cultivar, the leaves with
longitudinal cream stripes. The reeds used in musical instruments
such as organs and clarinets all come from carefully selected and
cured stems of the giant reed, as did the pipes of Pan.
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