Texas Bamboo or No Bamboo

[carlisle44]

We live in Southeast Texas at elevation 15 feet. Bamboo grows in our back yard and everyone else's backyard in our :)neighborhood. For the past couple years I've been harvesting poles and setting them to dry upright. I've been using the poles for garden stakes and to make framework for my Christmas lights.

Here's (finally) my question:
My neighbor says that this local "bamboo" is not bamboo at all. Rather it is a nasty weed called "cane" and needs to be eradicated at all costs.

Please say it ain't so.:confused:

[CaroleMeckes]

Hello,
I'd bet that what you have is Arundo donax
see this thread (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2767)

Does it look like the pictures here:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=572

If so - don't worry about what your neighbor says - it is still useful stuff.

Carole