08/21/2026
Rivercane is one of the most ecologically important native species in the Illinois River Watershed, a keystone plant that shapes entire ecosystems wherever it grows along rivers and floodplains. Spreading through underground rhizomes, it forms dense, interconnected stands known as Canebrakes.
Canebrakes support more than 70 wildlife species, offering critical habitat for threatened and endangered species like the American Burying Beetle and Ozark Big-eared Bat, as well as declining species such as the Northern Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, and Beaver. Over 35 bird species including the American Woodcock, Wood Thrush, Carolina Wren, and various flycatchers rely on canebrakes for nesting, foraging, and roosting. Six butterfly species depend on rivercane as a caterpillar food source, while five moth species feed exclusively on it.
Beyond habitat, Canebrakes prevent soil erosion and trap sediment during flood events, creating their own soil type over time!
Rivercane is estimated to currently cover only 2% of its original habitat range, making it a critically endangered ecosystem. It is also a culturally significant species for many Native American tribes of the central and southeast U.S.
If you have Rivercane on your property and are interested in learning how to help keep it healthy or expand a Canebrake, feel free to reach out to us for a free site visit. If you want to see a Canebreak for yourself, visit the Siloam Springs Kayak Park and check out their streambanks!
