vermont cane

[CHUCKER]

I am new to arrow building of any kind, but find myself very interested in cane arrows. I have found several large patches of cane growing along I-89 in north west Vermont. I was wondering if anyone has used this type for arrows with good luck.
     The cane grows 6 to 7 feet tall and is 5/8 to 3/4 DiA.. at the base, with nodes 7-1/2 to 8 inches apart.

[Pat B]

Chucker, There are cold hardy bamboos. The only thing I could tell you is to cut some and try it out. The cane I am familiar with has a 3 year growing cycle(for each culm[shoot]). You do not want to cut the first year growth. It has fresh sheaths at the nodes and is usually bright green. After the second year is the best time to harvest and until the older canes turn olive green to tan. By the time it gets to tan, its too late, they have started to deteriorate.
   Go cut a mess of the cane and put them into bundles of similar canes and observe them as they dry. It will be obvious which ones will be useable.   
  Do you have any pics of the individual canes and the patch where it grows. That might help ID it.    Pat

[CHUCKER]

Thanks for the info pat B. I will try to take some photos tomorrow.

[MattE]

Good arrow cane doesn't grow north of virginia. I have trouble finding a good patch of arrow cane in N.C. and we have some of the best. There is bamboo that thrives in a cold climate but it isn't what most would call arrow material.

[DanaM]

If its the same stuff I found in NY last week then its useless, no strength to it at all.

[Pat B]

Chucker, It looks like an annual(dies back each year) grass to me. If that is the case, it probably wouldn't make good arrows.     Pat

[CHUCKER]

Your right! on looking closer and letting a couple samples dry for a week it looks like grass. I also checked with an old farmer how told me that his mother used to call it broom grass.
     Anyhow I want to thank you all for your time!

[Broken Arrow]

Probably whats reffered to as scouring rush.  Everyone around here calls it bamboo.  I think its worthless, but have been tempted to experiment with it.