Bamboo native to Ohio

[dawgonit]

My mother insists their is a bamboo native to ohio and would like for me to get her some. Does anyone know if there truely is a bamboo native to Ohio and if so, what is the name of it? thank you for your time. Michael

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Michael,
The bamboo species native to some parts of Ohio is ...
Arundinaria gigantea (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=543) - River Cane (Pics at the gallery Bamboo Flora)

It also has the common name of Giant Cane, though it's height rarely exceeds 20+ft (7M)

Here's some links with more info:

http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/argi.html

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARGIG

I don't know to what extent it's past and present distribution is in Ohio.

It used to grow in vast tract along riverways, known as canebrakes, which became a place for those seeking refuge back in the days of slavery ...

Mark