quick rivercane queston

[Chad]

Hopefully a easy question. Can you collect rivercane in winter?? well right now actually (I live in Southern Illinois if that matters). I found quite a bit. Thanks!
Chad

[Pat B]

Yes, you can collect it now just be sure it is at least 2nd year growth.

[Chad]

thanks for the quick reply Pat.
Chad

[Chad]

is there an easy way to identify second year, I thought I read that first year winkles as it drys, is this the only method?

[PrimitiveTim]

mature ones will have branches and fully formed leaves.  The sheathes that are attached at the nodes will be darker or starting to fall apart or gone completely.  On a side note, if you see any that are dark cut them.  I need to cut more to be sure but I've noticed that they seem to be a little more dense.

[Chad]

mature ones will have branches and fully formed leaves.  The sheathes that are attached at the nodes will be darker or starting to fall apart or gone completely.  On a side note, if you see any that are dark cut them.  I need to cut more to be sure but I've noticed that they seem to be a little more dense.

thanks for the info Tim