In this article, we will compare and contrast bamboo and river cane so that you can have a full understanding of both of these plants. We will describe them in detail physically as well as what they are typically used for. Finally, we will address where they grow best and what they need in terms of water and light in case you want to try growing them yourself. Let’s get started now!
Comparing River Cane vs Bamboo
Key Differences Between River Cane vs Bamboo
There are a number of key differences between river cane and bamboo. While both plants belong to the bamboo family, river cane is a very distinct species that is native to the United States. In addition, bamboo grows much taller than river cane does, and comes in more colors overall. Finally, bamboo is utilized in many manufacturing businesses around the world, while river cane is less known. Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now.
River Cane vs Bamboo: Classification
It is safe to say that all river cane is technically bamboo, but not all bamboo is river cane. In fact, river cane originated in the United States, primarily in the Southeast, while bamboo originated in China, research suggests. The classification of river cane is Arundinaria gigantea, while the classification of bamboo is Poaceae bambusoideae.
River Cane vs Bamboo: Description
You can tell that bamboo and river cane are related just by looking at them, but there are some distinct differences in the way that these plants grow. For example, bamboo grows much taller than river cane does, averaging 90 feet at a maximum, while river cane only reaches 12 feet maximum. In addition to height, river cane grows in a more shrub-like fashion compared to the average bamboo species. You can easily pick out individual bamboo stalks or trunks, but river cane grows in clusters with crowded leaves. Finally, you can get bamboo in a number of different colors, while river cane only comes in a dull green.
River Cane vs Bamboo: Uses
While river cane and bamboo are similar in a variety of ways, they have very different uses. For example, bamboo is used more widely compared to river cane, in a number of manufacturing businesses and techniques. River cane is primarily used in backyard landscaping, as hedges or decorative plants, while bamboo has many more commercial uses. In addition, bamboo is used in a variety of culinary settings, while river cane is not. River cane has some manufacturing or practical uses like bamboo does, but it primarily acts as a key plant in preventing erosion along river beds, which bamboo is sometimes used for as well. For the most part, river cane is simply lesser-known compared to the standard bamboo that we know and love!
River Cane vs Bamboo: Hardiness Zones
River cane and bamboo have very similar hardiness zones given their shared family. However, river cane grows best in zones 5-9, while bamboo grows best in zones 5-10. In addition, there are some bamboo varieties that can tolerate colder climates, especially compared to river cane. Given that it originated in the southern United States, river cane enjoys hot climates and humidity more than some bamboo varieties.
River Cane vs Bamboo: Water and Light Needs
A final key difference between bamboo and river cane has to be their needs as plants. River cane thrives along rivers and in swamplands, needing plenty of water in order to survive, while bamboo tends to prefer a period of drying before being watered again. In addition, river cane grows prolifically when placed in full sun, while bamboo enjoys partial sun more often than not.
