Our Friend, River Cane

River cane is one of the greatest natural resources of the Cherokee people. In the past, ihiya “river cane,” grew in extensive stands called canebrakes; these canebrakes once covered hundreds of thousands of acres throughout the southeast along rivers and bottomlands.

 The Life of River Cane

The spread of river cane has intrigued people for years. River cane flowers and produces seeds so infrequently that scientists do not yet understand the flowering cycle. The majority of expansion is through underground stems called rhizomes, which produce the roots and the above ground stems called culms. These deep roots hold the soil in place, reaching across stream banks in massive underground networks. New culms emerge in the early summer and achieve their full height in only a few days’ time, sometimes over 20 feet tall.

 As Versatile as Plastic

Cherokee and indigenous people throughout the southeast have used river cane for thousands of years. River cane is a sturdy, water-resistant material Cherokee people depend upon everyday. Double-weaved cane baskets are one of the most complex and well known traditional Cherokee crafts. Along with storage, river cane’s uses range from building materials, to mats, instruments, and weapons. These resources are important for the culture and economy of the Cherokee, but craft-grade river cane is now scarce.

An Ecosystem at Risk

With the rapid spread of European colonization, new attitudes towards the land and its inhabitants were introduced. The Cherokee people recognized river cane as a valuable resource, but European settlers overlooked its importance and, viewing it as a nuisance, cleared canebrakes for farmland. These spaces are still at risk, continuing to be removed for farming, infrastructure, or out-competed by invasive plant species. Today, canebrakes are considered an endangered ecosystem with only 2% of their historic range remaining.

River Cane’s Importance is No Secret

We all lose valuable resources when we destroy river cane stands. A source of food and shelter was diminished, streams became less resilient, the Cherokee people nearly lost their art of cane weaving, and our relationship with river cane was nearly forgotten. But with the efforts of tribal and environmental groups, the story of river cane continues to be passed down.

Valuable for Wildlife

Throughout the seasons, river cane provides habitat to over 50 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. To many of these species, river cane is an essential part of their life. Providing protection from predators, some animals live and nest in canebrakes, while others use them as a source of food. Due to river cane’s ability to support a diverse range of animals, canebrakes previously created an abundant hunting ground for the Cherokee people. But with the loss of river cane, Cherokee and the animals they rely on have been affected by its absence.

Protector of Healthy Streams

Referred to as “racing waters”, the Cherokee people depended on the French Broad River for transportation, economy, and food. Native canebrakes provide essential services in protecting these valuable waterways and those who rely on them. Dense stands of river cane slow the movement of stormwater and filter pollutants, while their roots hold the streambank in place and reduce erosion. Providing shade, river cane stands keep streams cool and support healthy aquatic life. Today the effects of erosion are some of the largest threats to Western North Carolina streams; river cane can offer a natural solution.

A Bright Future Ahead

With the ongoing restoration of this site, Conserving Carolina and partners are ensuring river cane can thrive once again, aiding in the preservation of Cherokee traditions; protecting canebrakes and encouraging future growth, we all benefit from the effects river cane has on the land and water. With our collective efforts, historic-sized canebrakes may flourish and craft-grade river cane may once again be available for Cherokee artisans to harvest.