River cane, called "i-hi" in Cherokee (meaning cane) is used for Blowguns, chairs, baskets, pipestems, and for shining clay pots. The stems are the part that is used. The whole river cane is hollowed for the blow gun. Where does the plant grow? Around creek banks and swamps, because there is more moisture in the ground. The best time to gather plants is anytime, but the winter is good because there are no snakes or ticks. Cabbagehead reports that only a small group of people use the plant anymore, and the plant has almost died out and is scarce and hard to find. Livestock grazing, clearing woodland, and the fluctuating water levels (which leave the roots to dry) are especially destroying the plants.