Management Considerations

Canebreaks historically were associated with Louisiana black bear habitat. Extensive stands of switchcane provide habitat diversity, cover, and a seasonal food supply for many wildlife species, including deer, rabbits, and black bears. Less abundant than in the past, switchcane habitat should be favored in hardwood forest stands when managing for the Louisiana black bear.

Regeneration/Management

On selected areas where lack of cover is deemed to be a limiting factor, natural regeneration of existing stands of cane should be encouraged to expand through the removal of overstory trees and clearing of competing vegetation. On suitable sites, especially abandoned agricultural fields, public transportation and utility rights-of-way, opportunities exist for artificial regeneration of switchcane. If seed is available, direct seeding is the favored method of propagation. Another effective method of artificial regeneration, although potentially labor intensive, involves rhizome transplanting with and without attached culms.

Special Considerations

Switchcane life history traits, including its periodic seeding events and its susceptibility to decline from frequent prescribed burns, intensive cattle grazing, and agricultural clearing, justify special management procedures for expansion of this habitat type. Areas with existing stands of switchcane deserve protective measures to conserve this valuable component of quality black bear habitat. Several hardwood seedling nurseries in Louisiana are attempting to grow switchcane for use in habitat restoration efforts.