River Cane

[mathews4ever]

Is there a place in Mn that I can locate river cane? I would love to get my hands on some to make arrows with.

[mathews4ever]

nobody

[HD]

I guess I don't know what river cane is. 

Is it a type of willow?
Does it grow just by rivers?

I'd try to help you, but I don't know where to find it. 


Hunter

[mathews4ever]

It is a type of bambo that grows about 8-20' tall depending on the species and is hollow on the inside. It grows anywhere it is really wet. I will try to post a pick later.

[Lee Borgersen]

Harvested canes are useful; they can be made into fishing poles, privacy screens, or any number of craft projects. Native Americans used the canes for spears, arrows, and blow-gun darts, plus they wove them into baskets, mats, and roofing materials.

River cane grows in rich, moist soil. Native stands are often found in a narrow strip between the the edge of a cultivated bottomland field and the bank of a creek. These dense thickets have an extensive root system which helps hold soil in place even when creekbanks are buffeted by powerful currents during a flood.
 

[mathews4ever]

Thanks for your post LEE. Do you know if it grows up here?

[Woody]

River cane, switch cane and hill cane(Arundaneria) is indigenous to the South Eastern US.

But don't give up hope just yet.  It took some searching, but I did find a supplier of River Cane as well as other items you might be interested in.   

http://www.pinehollowlongbows.com/productdetail.asp?ProductID=288

[Woody]

Here is some pictures of different types of arrows to look at as well.

http://www.webshots.com/search?query=Cane+Arrows

[mathews4ever]

Thanks Jeff.