That is funny. I was born and raised in Alaska and we used to play sword fight with the dried hollow plant stems. Having said that, it's a plant that breaks me out in the worst rash when fresh. There was so much of it where I lived that my arms where always a red itchy mess when I was young.

Can't help you about growing it since it's a nuisance plant in AK although it is very cool looking so I understand your attraction.

BTW, it's a plant that causes shin irritation for lot of people so be careful with it.