VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Arundinaria gigantea | Cane 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Cane is one of the most valuable native forages in the Coastal Plain
region of Virginia and North Carolina [19].  During winter when other
green herbage is scarce, cattle graze the leaves and stems.  On an
experimental range in North Carolina, cane was grazed from May to
January and furnished 70 to 90 percent of the cattle diet [8].  Black
bears graze this species in the southeastern United States [10].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Cane is one of the most nutritious native forage plants growing in the
eastern United States [11].  Crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus are
well above the requirements for maturing cattle [8].  Crude protein
varies from a high of 20 percent in June to 14 percent in September and
October, and 12 percent in December [11].  Digestible nutrients in cane
foliage are highest during May and June, then decline rapidly during the
remainder of the summer and fall [12].


COVER VALUE : 
Dense, tall patches of cane (A. g. spp. tecta) form almost impenetrable
thickets; therefore, only small birds and mammals are likely to find
cover in these areas [12].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Cane can withstand extended flooding, drought, and intense surface
fires, making it a remarkably stable source of forage.  The species is,
however, sensitive to overgrazing.  Plants are often completely
defoliated by cattle because leaves are produced on branches well above
the ground.  The most readily accessible cane is generally 80 to 100
percent defoliated by the end of the grazing season if stocking rates
are high [19].  Where cane furnishes a minor part of the forage, it is
usually overgrazed.  Under careful management, however, grazing capacity
of cane is high, ranging from 0.5 to 1 acre per cow-month [8].

Related categories for Species: Arundinaria gigantea | Cane