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Bamboo Species
P
Promoting the Beauty and Utility of Bamboo

 

Note: the heading for each table contains two links to additional information. TheSources links will take you to the contact information for the growers who usually, or sometimes, carry that species.

Phyllostachys
Pleioblastus
Pseudosasa

 

  feet
meters		 max diam
inch
cm		 min temp
°F
°C		 shade sun
5=full sun		 Comments - Description Sources
PHYLLOSTACHYS Medium to giant runners which have a distinct groove above pairs of unequal branches at mid-culm nodes. They shoot in spring.
P. acuta
 26 2.5 0 5 Introduced from Zhejiang Province, China in 1984. Named for its sharp-pointed shoots. A6 D0 D3 K0 K8 M2
8 6.4 -18  
P. angusta
STONE BAMBOO		 22 1.3 0 5 Called Stone Bamboo because of the hard texture of its culms which in China are used to make fine bamboo furniture. A0 A3 A5 A6 B0 B3 B4 B8 C1 C4 C6 D0 D2 D3 E6 E7 F0 F3 F5 F6 F7 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 H2 H4 H5 H8 I1 I8 J3 J5 J7 J8 K0 K8 L4 L7 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4
7 3.3 -18  
P. arcana
 27 1.3 0 5 Named after its hidden characters of distinctive recognition. In China it is used for shoots and split culms are woven into mats. A6 C1 C4 D0 D3 E6 F5 G8 H2 H4 I1 I7 J5 K0 K8 L4 M0 M2 M3 M4
8 3.3 -18  
P. arcana 'Luteosulcata'
 27 1.3 0 5 Same as P. arcana but with a yellow groove. B8 D8 E2 F5 J8 M2
8 3.3 -18  
P. atrovaginata
INCENSE BAMBOO		 35 2.8 -15 5 The shoots are among those having the least bite when raw. These plants were formerly listed as P. congesta. A0 A3 A6 B0 B3 B4 B8 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 E0 E6 E7 F0 F2 F3 F5 F6 F8 G3 G4 G8 H1 H4 H7 I0 I1 I8 I9 J3 J5 J6 J8 K0 K8 L2 L4 M1 M2 M3 M4 N1
11 7.1 -26  
P. aurea
GOLDEN, FISHPOLE BAMBOO		 27 1.8 0 5 The most commonly cultivated bamboo in the U.S., easily identified by one to several short internodes at the base of some of its culms. It is most invasive in areas with warm summers. Culm may grow to 3 inches diameter in favorable conditions. A0 A1 A3 A5 A6 B0 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8 C0 C1 C2 C3 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D8 E0 E1 E2 E6 F0 F1 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 H0 H1 H2 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 I0 I1 I2 I7 I8 I9 J0 J3 J5 J7 K0 K8 L2 L4 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M5 M8 M9 N1
8 4.6 -18  
P. aurea 'Albovariegata'
VARIEGATED GOLDEN BAMBOO		 27 1.8 0 5 Same, except that the leaves are smaller, striped with white. Many plants flowered recently; some have survived but nearly all reverted to normal form. A6 B3 B8 D0 D2 E2 F0 K0 M2 M4 M9
8 4.6 -18  
P. aurea 'Dr Don'
 27 1.8 10 5 Glaucous blue culms with denser wax than usual B8
8 4.6 -12  
P. aurea 'Flavescens-inversa'
 27 1.8 0 5 The green culms have a pale yellow groove. A0 A6 B4 B8 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D3 E6 E8 F0 F3 F5 G1 G3 G8 G9 I0 I1 I7 J8 K0 K8 L4 M1 M2 M3 M4 M9
8 4.6 -18  
P. aurea 'Holochrysa'
GOLDEN GOLDEN		 27 1.8 0 5 Unlike the typical form whose culms stay green until old, these culms soon turn yellow, then golden orange. A0 A6 B3 B4 B7 B8 C0 C1 C3 C4 C6 D0 D3 E6 F0 F3 F5 F7 F8 G0 G1 G3 G8 G9 H7 H9 I0 I1 I7 I9 J3 J5 K0 L2 L4 L7 M0 M1 M2 M3
8 4.6 -18  
P. aurea 'Koi'
 27 1.8 0 5 The culms turn from green to yellow after the first 6 months, but the culm grooves remain green. A0 A5 A6 B2 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D3 D4 E6 E8 F0 F1 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 G9 H7 H8 I0 I1 I7 I9 J1 J5 J8 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L7 M0 M1 M2 M3 M8 M9 N1
8 4.6 -18  
P. aurea 'Takemurai'
 35 3 0 5 It lacks the short internodes of the typical form. A6 B8 C4 C6 D0 D3 K0 L4 M2 M3
11 7.6 -18  
P. aureosulcata
YELLOW GROOVE BAMBOO		 45 2.2 -10 5 The culms are more slender and delicate than golden bamboo; young culms are green with a yellow groove. Culm internodes distinctly rough to the touch when young, and an occasional culm has a zigzag kink. A0 A3 A6 A8 B2 B3 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 E0 E1 E2 E4 E6 E7 E8 F0 F2 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 G0 G1 G3 G4 G8 G9 H1 H2 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 I0 I1 I2 I5 I7 I8 J0 J2 J4 J5 J6 J7 J8 J9 K0 L2 L4 L5 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M6 M7 M8 M9 N1 N2
14 5.6 -23  
P. aureosulcata 'Alata'
 30 2 -10 5 Similar to the above, but with a green groove. Culms are often markedly zigzag. Probably synonymous with P. aureosulcata 'Pekinensis'. A0 A6 B4 B8 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D3 D8 E4 E6 F0 F3 F5 F6 F8 G3 G4 G9 H1 I0 I5 I8 J4 J7 J8 K0 K8 L4 M2 M3 M8
9 5.1 -23  
P. aureosulcata 'Aureocaulis'
 26 1.5 -10 5 Culms are entirely yellow except for a few vertical green stripes. A0 A3 A6 B2 B3 B4 B8 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D3 D8 E0 E2 E4 E6 E7 E8 F0 F2 F3 F5 F8 G3 G4 G9 H1 H6 H7 H8 H9 I0 I7 I8 J3 J6 J7 J8 K0 K8 L2 L4 L5 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 N1 N2
8 3.8 -23  
P. aureosulcata 'Harbin'
 26 1.5 -10 5 The culms are yellow with multiple green grooves running the length of each internode; rare. A0 A6 B3 B8 C1 C6 D0 D3 D8 E2 E8 F0 F2 F3 F5 F7 G3 G9 H1 H2 I0 I1 I5 I6 I7 I8 J1 J6 J7 J8 K0 L4 L5 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3
8 3.8 -23  
P. aureosulcata 'Harbin Inversa'
 26 1.5 -10 5 Yellow culms with fine green striping, no grooves other than the sulcus. It has a beautiful orange/crimson highlight for a while in the spring when grown in full sun. A0 A6 B3 B8 C6 D0 D3 D8 E0 E2 E7 F0 F3 F5 F7 G3 H1 I0 J6 J7 K0 L5 M2 M3 N1
8 3.8 -23  
P. aureosulcata 'Pekinensis'
 30 2 -10 5 Has a green groove; probably synonymous with P. aureosulcata 'Alata'. B8 D8 F5 K0 M2
9 5.1 -23  
P. aureosulcata 'Spectabilis'
GREEN GROOVE		 26 1.5 -10 5 The culms are yellow with a green groove, just opposite of the typical form. Smaller in hottest areas. A0 A3 A4 A5 A6 B0 B3 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 E0 E2 E4 E6 E7 E8 F0 F2 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 G3 G4 G8 G9 H1 H2 H6 H7 H8 H9 I0 I1 I5 I6 I7 I8 I9 J0 J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 J6 J7 J8 J9 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L5 L7 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M8 N1
8 3.8 -23  
P. bambusoides
GIANT JAPANESE TIMBER, MADAKE		 72 6 5 5 The most utilized bamboo in Japan where it is valued for its large straight thick-walled culms. Flowered extensively in the 1970s and many plants died. Most plants have regained their vegetative vigor. A0 A3 A5 A6 B3 B4 B5 B8 C1 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 E0 E5 E6 F0 F1 F3 F5 F7 G0 G3 G8 G9 H0 H5 H6 H8 H9 I0 I1 I7 I9 J0 J1 J3 J5 J7 J8 K0 K2 K8 L4 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M8 N1 N2
22 15.2 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Albovariegata'
 25 1.75 5 5 Apricot fading to white leaf variegation is startling in the spring, but it fades by the end of the year. Culms green. A6 B8 C1 D0 D3 E2 F0 F5 F7 G9 I0 K8 L4 M1 M2
8 4.5 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Allgold'
 35 2 5 5 The culms are entirely golden yellow except for an occasional thin green stripe. A0 A6 B3 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D3 D4 D8 E0 E2 E6 E8 F0 F3 F5 F7 G2 G3 G8 G9 H1 H4 H6 H8 I0 I1 I7 I9 J0 J3 J5 J8 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L7 M0 M1 M2 M3 M5 N1
11 5.1 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Castillon'
 35 2 0 5 Golden yellow culms with green grooves and stripes. An occasional leaf is striped in cream. It died due to flowering, and a new clone with less leaf variegation, sometimes called 'McClure's Castillon', has been introduced. A0 A3 A6 B3 B4 B7 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D8 E0 E1 E2 E5 E6 F0 F3 F5 F7 F9 G3 G8 G9 H1 H4 H6 H8 H9 I0 I1 I7 I9 J0 J1 J3 J5 J8 K0 K2 K8 L0 L2 L4 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M8 M9 N1
11 5.1 -18  
P. bambusoides 'Castillon Inversa'
 35 2 5 5 This is the complement of the above; culms are green with yellow grooves. Smaller and hardier than A0 A6 B8 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D3 D4 E6 F0 F5 F7 G3 G9 I0 I7 I9 J9 K2 K8 L4 M0 M2 M3 M4 M8 M9
11 5.1 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Golden Dwarf'
 12 1 5 5 Shrublike with golden leaves and culms. F0 M3
4 2.5 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Job's Spots'
 50 4 5 5 Culm sheaths with upper-central burgundy spots. D3 M3
15 10.2 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Kawadana'
 20 2 5 5 Culms and foliage leaves have yellow stripes. A0 B8 D3 E6 F0 G9 L4 M2 M3
6 5.1 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Marliac'
 25 1.5 5 5 A form with wrinkled culms due to numerous longitudinal grooves running the length of each internode on all sides of the culm. A rare ornamental. A0 A6 B8 C2 C6 C8 D0 D2 D3 E6 F0 F5 G3 I0 J5 J8 K8 L4 M2 M3
8 3.8 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Ribleaf'
 50 4 5 5 Leaves short, wide and ribbed along the parallel venation. F0 M3
15 10.2 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Richard Haubrich'
 35 2 5 5 Sport from base of 'Castillonis' with dramatic green stripes on white leaves, slow grower. Bamboo 23: 7. 2002 A6 B8 C6 D3 E2 E6 M2 M3
11 5.1 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Slender Crookstem'
 48 3 0 5 Smaller than regular P. bambusoides with culms that often show a marked zigzag of lower internodes. A0 A5 A6 B4 B8 C2 C6 D0 D3 E6 F5 G8 I1 I7 J5 J8 K0 L4 M1 M2
15 7.6 -18  
P. bambusoides 'Subvariegata'
 48 3 5 5 The leaves have light green stripes on a dark green background. B8 D0 D3 F0 L4 M2
15 7.6 -15  
P. bambusoides 'Tanakae'
         Culms marked with elliptical purplish-brown spots. A0 B8 C1 C2 D0 D2 D3 D4 E6 G8 H0 I9 J5 L4 M0 M1 M2
       
P. bambusoides 'White Crookstem'
 48 3 0 5 The older culms are covered with white powder. B3 C2 D0 D3 F9 G3 H4 I7 J3 J5 J8 K0 L4 M2
15 7.6 -18  
P. bissetii
 40 2 -15 5 A vigorously growing species whose culms are somewhat darker green than golden bamboo. It is one of the first species of the genus to shoot in spring. A0 A3 A5 A6 B4 B8 C0 C1 C4 C6 C8 D0 D2 D3 D8 E0 E2 E4 E6 E7 E8 F0 F3 F5 F7 F8 F9 G0 G2 G3 G4 G8 G9 H1 H2 H4 H5 H7 H8 H9 I0 I1 I2 I5 I7 I8 J0 J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 J6 J7 J8 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L5 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M6 M8 N1 N2
12 5.1 -26  
P. bissetii 'Dwarf'
 18 1 -16 5 Differs by being smaller, and having whitish patches on the culms; hardier, perhaps. A0 A6 B8 C6 D0 D2 D3 E7 F2 F5 H2 H8 I1 I7 I8 J5 J6 J7 J8 K0 L4 L5 M2 M4
6 2.5 -27  
P. dulcis
SWEETSHOOT BAMBOO		 40 2.8 0 5 Arching culms. Named because its shoots are particularly free of any acrid taste. A0 A4 B3 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 E0 E7 F0 F3 F5 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 G9 H1 H2 H4 H5 H8 I0 I1 I5 I7 I8 I9 J3 J5 J7 J8 K0 K8 L2 L4 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M7 M8 M9 N2
12 7.1 -18  
P. edulis
MOSO		 75 7 0 5 Largest of the hardy bamboos. Young culms are covered with a velvety coat of soft hairs. The most used bamboo in China, used for food, timber, paper, plywood, flooring. A0 A3 A5 B3 B4 B5 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D3 D8 E0 E6 E7 F0 F1 F3 F5 G1 G8 G9 H1 H8 H9 I0 I1 I7 I9 J1 J3 J5 J7 J8 J9 K0 K8 L0 L4 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M9 N1
23 17.8 -18  
P. edulis 'Anderson'
 75 7 -6 5 From the grove at Anderson, SC. Hardy to -6 F. C1 D3 E0 G8 H5 H6 I0 I1 I7 J5 K0 L4 M1 M2
23 17.8 -21  
P. edulis 'Bicolor'
 75 7 0 5 Yellow culms with green sulcus. C1 E2
23 17.8 -18  
P. edulis 'Goldstripe'
 75 7 0 5 A Moso seedling that shows gold striation. A0 B8 D0 D3 E0 F0 I1 I7 L4 M2 M3 N1
23 17.8 -18  
P. edulis 'Heterocycla'
         This is the famous Tortoise Shell Bamboo, with nodes slanted alternately in opposite directions. In Japan it is called Kikkochiku. B7 C1 E2 H4 H6 J7 M2
       
P. elegans
 32 2.3 0 5 The species is highly regarded for its shoots. In spring it is one of the first species of the genus to shoot. B3 B8 C1 D0 F5 F7 G8 H4 I7 J3 J5 K0 L4 L7 M1 M2
10 5.8 -18  
P. flexuosa
 31 2.8 0 5 Named because some of the culms show a distinct zigzag pattern. One form is hardy to -8 F. A6 B8 C1 C4 D0 D2 D3 D8 E6 F5 F7 G1 G3 G8 H2 H6 I1 I5 I7 J5 J7 J8 K0 K8 L4 M0 M2 M3 M4 M7
10 7.1 -18  
P. flexuosa 'Kimmei'
 31 2.8 0 5 Like the type, but striped with yellow. B8 D3 F0 K0 L4 M2 M3
10 7.1 -18  
P. glauca
 34 2 0 5 Named for blue-white powder that completely covers young culms. In China, grows as large as P. bambusoides. A0 A6 B3 B8 C1 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 G3 G8 H2 H4 I1 I7 I8 J5 J8 K0 K8 L4 M0 M2 M3 M7
10 5.1 -18  
P. glauca 'Notso'
 34 2 -5 5 Similar to the species, except young culms do not have the blue glaucous color. May take lower temperatures. D0 G4 K0 M2
10 5.1 -21  
P. glauca 'Yunzhu'
 34 2 0 5 Has purplish-black spots or ovals on the culms. A0 B8 C1 C4 D0 F0 F3 F5 G4 G9 I7 I8 J3 J6 K8 L4 L5 M2 M3 N1
10 5.1 -18  
P. heteroclada
WATER BAMBOO		 33 1.5 -11 5 Larger, more erect, and less zigzag than P. h. 'Purpurata'. A5 A6 B3 B8 C1 C4 D0 D3 D8 E4 E6 E7 F0 F5 F7 G4 G8 I1 J6 J7 K0 K8 L4 L5 L7 M2 M4
10 3.8 -24  
P. heteroclada 'Purpurata'
 18 0.8 0 5 The slender, zigzag culms often bend to the ground under the weight of rain or in a strong wind. Air channels in rhizomes permit growth in wet locations. B3 B4 B8 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 E0 E4 E6 E7 F0 F3 F6 F8 G4 G8 H4 I0 I1 J3 J8 K0 L2 L3 L4 M0 M2 M3 N1
6 2 -18  
P. heteroclada 'Solidstem'
 24 1.3 -11 5 Similar to the above except that culms are solid below. B3 B8 C1 C4 D0 D3 D8 F0 F5 F6 G0 G4 I1 I7 J5 J8 K0 K8 L4 M1 M2
7 3.3 -24  
P. humilis
 20 1 0 5 One of the smallest members of the genus, it is widely cultivated in Japan. Culms darken with age. A0 A6 B4 B7 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D3 D8 E4 E6 F3 F5 F6 F8 G3 G9 H2 H7 I0 I7 J3 J5 J6 J8 K0 K8 L4 M0 M1 M2 M3 M9
6 2.5 -18  
P. iridescens
 40 2.8 0 5 Some internodes near base have yellow striping. Sweet shoots, used for timber. A0 A6 B8 C1 C4 D0 D3 E6 F0 F5 G3 I0 J8 K0 L4 M1 M2
12 7.1 -18  
P. lithophila
       5 Like P. makinoi but with paler shoots, smaller culm sheath blades and leaf sheaths with sparse or no oral setae. A0 B8 D0 F3 F5 K0 M2
       
P. makinoi
 60 3 -5 5 Whitish green culms are covered with a bluish powder. A6 B7 B8 C0 C1 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 F0 F5 G0 G3 G4 G8 G9 H4 I0 I1 I7 J5 J8 K0 K8 L4 M2 M3 M4
18 7.6 -21  
P. mannii 'Decora'
 30 2.5 -11 5 From the Yangtze valley and adjacent areas of China. In China, it is called the Beautiful Bamboo. One of the best performers under stress of desert heat, cold, and drought in Nevada. Now considered to be conspecific with P. mannii 'Mannii'. A0 A3 A4 A6 B4 B8 C0 C1 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 E7 F0 F2 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 G3 G4 G8 H4 H7 H8 I1 I7 J5 J6 J7 J8 K0 K8 L2 L4 L5 M0 M2 M3 M4 M9 N1
9 6.4 -24  
P. mannii 'Mannii'
MANNII		 25 2 0 5 First identified in northern India, but extends in range to southern China. Shoots in April; slightly astringent. Culms tough, durable, easy to split. B8 C6 D0 D3 E6 F5 H8 I7 K0 L4 M2
8 5.1 -18  
P. meyeri
 33 2 0 5 Similar in appearance to P. aurea but without the short internodes. A0 A6 B3 B8 C1 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 F0 F5 F7 G1 G3 G4 G9 H0 H4 H8 I1 I7 J0 J8 K0 L4 L7 M2 M3 M4 M8 M9
10 5.1 -18  
P. nidularia
 33 1.5 0 5 Distinctive, very prominent culm nodes. The shoots are exceptionally free of acrid taste. A0 A3 A6 B8 C0 C4 C6 D0 D1 D3 E6 F0 F3 F5 F6 G4 G8 G9 H8 I0 I1 I7 J7 K0 K8 L4 M2 M3
10 3.8 -18  
P. nidularia 'Farcta'
 33 1.5 0 5 The culms are solid or nearly so. A6 B8 C1 D0 D3 F5 F6 G9 I9 J3 J5 J8 K0 K8 L4 M2
10 3.8 -18  
P. nidularia 'Smoothsheath'
 33 1.5 0 5 Same, except it lacks the shaggy hairs on the culm leaf sheaths and sheath scars found on the typical form. B2 B8 D0 D3 F6 K0 L4 M2 M4
10 3.8 -18  
P. nigra
BLACK BAMBOO		 30 2 0 5 Culms turn jet black after the first 6 months to one year. Popular because of its graceful habit and the sharp accent of its culm color. Said to grow larger in northern climates. It is not clear whether there is significant difference between some of the A0 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A8 B0 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8 C0 C1 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D8 E0 E1 E2 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 F0 F1 F3 F5 F7 F8 F9 G0 G1 G3 G4 G8 G9 H0 H1 H2 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 I0 I1 I5 I6 I7 I8 I9 J0 J1 J2 J3 J5 J6 J7 J8 J9 K0 K2 K5 K8 L0 L2 L3 L4 L5 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M7 M8 M9 N1 N2 N5
9 5.1 -18  
P. nigra 'Bory'
SNAKESKIN, LEOPARD-SKIN BAMBOO		 50 3 -5 5 Differs from the above by growing larger. Culms blotched with black, never completely black. A0 A3 A6 B3 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 E0 E2 E4 E6 F0 F1 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 G1 G3 G4 G8 G9 H1 H5 H9 I0 I1 I7 I8 I9 J0 J1 J3 J5 J7 J8 K0 K8 L2 L4 L5 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M8 M9
15 7.6 -21  
P. nigra 'Daikokuchiku'
 57 3.3 0 5 A clone from California, claimed to be larger than the type, with culms supposedly turning black more rapidly than other clones. A3 B2 B3 B7 C0 C2 C6 D0 D1 D3 D4 D8 E5 E6 F0 F3 F7 F9 G3 G8 H1 H9 I1 J5 K0 L4 M0 M2 M9
17 8.4 -18  
P. nigra 'Hale'
 20 1.5 -5 4 Similar to the type, but smaller and hardier. Culms turn black almost immediately. B0 B2 B3 B8 C6 D0 D3 E2 E7 F0 F2 F3 F5 F8 G3 G4 H2 H7 I1 I2 I6 I7 J5 J6 J7 K0 K6 L2 L4 M2 M4 N3
6 3.8 -21  
P. nigra 'Henon'
 65 4.5 -5 5 Culms totally green, usually much larger than Black bamboo.Distinctive culms are rough to the touch and whitish green. A0 A3 A5 A6 B3 B4 B7 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 E0 E2 E5 E6 E7 E8 F0 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 G9 H1 H2 H4 H5 H6 H8 H9 I0 I1 I5 I7 I8 I9 J2 J3 J4 J5 J7 J8 J9 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M8 M9 N2
20 11.4 -21  
P. nigra 'Megurochiku'
 54 3.5 0 5 Green, similar to 'Henon' but the culm grooves are brown or purplish-black. A0 A6 B3 B4 B8 C1 C2 C6 D0 D1 D3 D4 E0 E4 E6 F0 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 G3 G9 H1 H2 H7 H9 I0 I1 I7 I8 I9 J3 J5 J8 K0 K8 L4 L5 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M8 N1 N2
16 8.9 -18  
P. nigra 'Mejiro'
 50 3 -5 5 Like 'Bory' but with paler sulcus D0 E2
15 7.6 -21  
P. nigra 'Muchisasa'
 12 1 0 5 The culms turn brownish-black, not dense purplish black. D0 K0 M2 M4
4 2.5 -18  
P. nigra 'Othello'
 20 2 0 5 Culms very black, tightly packed together in clumps, turn early from green to black. B3 C6 D3 F0 G3 K0 M2
6 5.1 -18  
P. nigra 'Punctata'
 60 4 0 5 A large form. Culms are spotted in the first year, purplish in the second, and black the third. C6 D0 D1 F0 G3 I0 I9 J1 J8 K0 K8 L4 M1 M2 M3 M8
18 10.2 -18  
P. nigra 'Shimadake'
 54 3.5 -5 5 Similar to Henon but with occasional brown vertical stripes on the culm after the first year. A0 B8 C1 C2 D0 D1 D3 D4 E4 F0 F3 G3 H8 K0 L4 M1 M2 M3
16 8.9 -21  
P. nigra 'Tosaensis'
 30 1.5 0 3 Like Bory but with 1 or 2 long brown spots per internode, leaves sometimes variegated. D3 F0 G3 K0 L4 M2
9 3.8 -18  
P. nuda
 34 1.8 -20 5 Reputed to be the hardiest species of the genus. New culms are dark green and powdery. Not tolerant of winter winds. P. nuda is the true "stone bamboo". A0 A3 A6 B4 B8 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 E0 E4 E6 E7 E8 F0 F2 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 G9 H2 H4 H5 H7 H8 I0 I1 I5 I6 I7 I8 J4 J5 J6 J7 J8 K0 K8 L4 L5 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M7 M8 M9 N1 N2
10 4.6 -29  
P. nuda 'Localis'
 34 1.8 -20 5 Similar, internodes near the base are blotched, spotted, or striped purple. Blotches show at 6 -12 months. A0 D0 E0 E7 F0 F3 F5 G4 J3 J7 J8 K0 M2 M3
10 4.6 -29  
P. platyglossa
 26 1.5 0 5 Mature culms have long internodes. Grown for its shoots in China. Timber inferior. A0 A6 B8 C4 C6 D0 D3 E0 E6 F3 F5 I7 J3 J8 K0 K8 L4 L7 M0 M2 M3
8 3.8 -18  
P. praecox
 33 2 5 5 Young culms dark green, purplish nodes. Grown for its shoots in China. A6 B8 C1 C6 D0 D3 E2 F5 G3 H8 J3 K0 K8 L2 L4 M2
10 5.1 -15  
P. praecox 'Prevernalis'
 33 2 5 5 The middle of internodes are smaller in diameter than the ends. B8 D0 E5 G8 J5 K0 M2
10 5.1 -15  
P. praecox 'Viridisulcata'
 33 2 5 5 Yellow culm with green sulcus and few green stripes, shoots yellowish, some leaves have yellow stripes. B8 D0 E2 F0 K0 M2
10 5.1 -15  
P. propinqua
 30 2 0 5 Reintroduced to U.S. from China via Germany. Hardier than most others of the genus. A6 C2 D0 D3 E6 G8 I7 K0 K8 L4 M2
9 5.1 -18  
P. propinqua 'Beijing'
     -15   Shoots are gray, leaves larger. Reported to take temperatures down to -15F, grows faster than the type. D0 D3 F0 F2 F5 G4 J6 K0 M2
    -26  
P. robustiramea
 30 2.5 10 5 Small bamboo, usually only 10 feet tall and 1 inch thick. D0 K0 M2
9 6.4 -12  
P. rubromarginata
 60 3 -5 5 Noted for its good quality wood and edible shoots, it tolerates cold, dry winds. Tests in Alabama showed it to be superior in culm production and cold tolerance. A3 A5 A6 B3 B4 B5 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 E0 E1 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 F0 F1 F2 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 G9 H0 H1 H2 H4 H5 H6 H8 I0 I1 I2 I5 I7 I8 J3 J4 J5 J6 J7 J8 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L5 L7 L9 M1 M2 M3 M4 M6 M7 M8 M9 N1 N2
18 7.6 -21  
P. stimulosa
 25 1.5 -5 5 Prominent nodes. Native to Zhejiang Province, China. A0 A6 B8 C4 D0 F5 G9 I0 I7 J7 J8 K0 K8 L4 M2 M4
8 3.8 -21  
P. violascens
 20 2 0 5 Culms blackish-violet at first, sometimes striped with violet. Sheaths deep purple. A0 A6 B8 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D2 D3 D8 E0 E6 F0 F3 F5 F7 G3 G9 I0 I1 I8 J3 J8 K0 K2 L4 L7 M0 M1 M2 M3 M9 N1
6 5.1 -18  
P. viridiglaucescens
 35 2 -11 5 The culms grow very straight and the wood is of excellent quality. C1 D0 D3 F0 G4 I0 I1 I7 J8 K0 L4 M1 M2 M3 M4
11 5.1 -24  
P. viridis
 47 3.3 -5 5 A large species, high quality wood, excellent shoots. Culms feel somewhat rough due to tiny indentations. A6 B0 B3 C2 D0 D1 D2 D3 F0 F1 F5 G1 G3 G4 G9 H4 H5 I0 I1 I7 J6 K0 L4 M2
14 8.4 -21  
P. viridis 'Houzeau'
 45 3 -5 5 Differs by having culms that are green with a yellow groove. A6 B3 C0 C1 C2 C6 C8 D0 D1 D3 E6 F0 F3 G3 G4 G8 G9 H4 H8 I0 I1 I7 I9 J5 J8 K0 L4 M0 M2 M3
14 7.6 -21  
P. viridis 'Robert Young'
 40 3 -5 5 The culms and branches soon turn from sulfur green to old gold. Longitudinal green stripes of variable width mark many internodes. A3 A5 A6 B0 B3 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D8 E0 E5 E6 F0 F1 F3 F5 F7 F9 G0 G3 G4 G8 G9 H2 H4 H5 H6 H8 H9 I0 I1 I7 I9 J0 J1 J5 J8 J9 K0 K8 L0 L4 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M8 M9 N1
12 7.6 -21  
P. vivax
VIVAX		 70 5 -5 5 Resembles P. bambusoides except that the culms have thinner walls and a white powdery band beneath each node at sheath-fall. Gray-green when mature. A0 A3 A5 A6 B3 B4 B5 B8 C0 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 E0 E1 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 F0 F1 F3 F5 F7 F8 F9 G1 G2 G3 G4 G8 G9 H0 H2 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 I0 I1 I7 I8 I9 J3 J5 J7 J8 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L5 M0 M1 M2 M3 M8 N1 N2
21 12.7 -21  
P. vivax 'Aureocaulis'
 70 5 -5 5 The culms turn yellow with a few narrow green stripes. A0 A3 A5 A6 B3 B4 B7 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D8 E0 E2 E6 E7 E8 F0 F3 F5 F7 F8 G3 G4 G8 G9 H1 H2 H6 H7 H8 H9 I0 I1 I7 I8 I9 J3 J5 J7 J8 K0 K8 L2 L4 L5 M0 M1 M2 M3 N1 N2
21 12.7 -21  
P. vivax 'Huangwenzhu'
 70 5 -9 5 Internodes green with yellow groove. From Henon. More frost resistant than the type. A6 B3 B4 B8 C0 C1 C6 D0 D3 D8 E2 E5 E6 F0 F5 F8 G4 G8 H1 I0 I7 I9 J7 K0 L4 M2
21 12.7 -23  
P. vivax 'Huangwenzhu Inversa'
 70 5 -9 5 The internodes are yellow with a green groove B8 C6 D0 D3 E2 F0
21 12.7 -23  
  feet
meters		 max diam
inch
cm		 min temp
°F
°C		 shade sun
5=full sun		 Comments - Description Sources
PLEIOBLASTUS Genus of small and medium size running bamboos with persistent culm sheaths. Most are native to Japan, were formerly classified in Arundinaria.
P. akebono
 2 0.3 10 3 The small leaves, no more than 3 inches long by 1/2 inch wide, are often green shading to white to the tips. A6 B2 B8 C6 D3 F5 G9 K0 K2 L4 M2 M3 M9
1 0.8 -12  
P. amarus
 16 0.8 0 3 Young culms are heavily pruinose; used for umbrellas in China. C1 D0 K0 M3
5 2 -18  
P. argenteostriatus
 3 0.3 10 2 The green leaves, which are more or less striped with white or yellow, are hairless on both surfaces. A6 B8 C4 C6 D0 D2 D3 D8 E0 E4 E6 F3 F5 F6 F9 G9 H0 H2 H8 I1 I8 J3 J7 K0 K2 K8 L4 L7 M3 M4 M9
1 0.8 -12  
P. chino
 10 0.8 5 3-5 A medium size bamboo native to Japan. A6 B8 C1 C2 C4 D0 D3 D8 E4 E6 E7 F0 F5 G1 G9 H4 H7 I0 J4 K0 L4 M1
3 2 -15  
P. chino 'Angustifolia'
 10 0.8 10 3 Distinguished by very narrow leaves, 1/4 x 5. C6 D0 D3 G9 K0 L4
3 2 -12  
P. chino 'Elegantissimus'
 10 0.8 10 3 Leaf blades narrow and frequently white stripes mottled with green dots. May be same as angustifolia. D0 D3 E7 F6 I0 J5 K0 L4
3 2 -12  
P. chino 'Kimmei'
 10 0.8 10 3 Leaves and culms have yellow stripes. A6 B8 C4 C6 D0 D1 D3 D8 E2 E6 F5 K0 K8 L4 M0 M2 M3
3 2 -12  
P. chino 'Murakamianus'
 10 0.8 10 3 Leaves are highly variegated with white stripes; some are totally white. On average 25% of the leaf is green. A0 A6 B3 B8 C6 D0 D3 E7 F0 F3 F5 G8 I7 J5 J6 K0 L4 L7 M0 M1 M3 M4 M9
3 2 -12  
P. chino 'Vaginatus Variegatus'
 6 0.5 10 3 Differs from the type by its smaller, narrower, white striped leaves, which are hairless on both surfaces. The rhizomes run deep in the ground. A0 B3 B8 C4 C6 D0 D3 D8 E5 E6 E7 F1 F3 F5 G8 G9 H2 I1 I5 I8 J4 J5 J8 K0 L4 L7 M0 M3 M4
2 1.3 -12  
P. distichus
DWARF FERN LEAF		 2 0.2 -5 3 Branchlets bear tiny, two ranked leaves which are often only 1 inch long by 1/4 inch wide. A good ground cover or container plant. A6 B8 C2 C4 C6 D0 D2 D3 D8 E5 E6 F3 F5 G1 G9 H1 H2 H7 H8 I0 I1 I5 J3 J5 J7 K0 K2 K8 L2 L4 L5 M1 M3 M8 M9
1 0.5 -21  
P. distichus 'Mini'
 1 0.2 -5 3 Like the above, but only 8-12 high. B3 B8 C1 C6 D0 D2 D3 F5 G8 H2 H4 H8 I0 I1 I6 I8 J5 J7 K0 L4 L5 L7 M1 M3 M4
0 0.5 -21  
P. fortunei
DWARF WHITESTRIPE		 4 0.2 10 2 Dwarf variegated bamboo. Leaves keep their white stripes through the year, softly hairy on the lower surface. Aka P. variegatus. A6 B3 B4 B8 C0 C2 C4 C6 D0 D3 D4 D8 E0 E6 E7 E8 F3 F5 F7 G1 G9 H0 H1 H2 H8 H9 I0 I1 I5 I6 I7 I8 J1 J3 J4 J5 J7 K0 L4 L5 L7 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M6 M7 M8 M9 N1
1 0.5 -12  
P. gauntlettii
 3 0.3 0 3 The slender, dwarf culms stand stiffly erect. Leaves about 7 inches long by 3/4 inch wide. D0 K0 L4
1 0.8 -18  
P. gramineus
 12 0.5 5 4 The long rather narrow leaves are grass-like in appearance. B8 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D1 D3 D8 E6 F3 F5 G8 G9 I0 I1 J4 J7 K0 L4 M0 M1 M3 M4
4 1.3 -15  
P. gramineus 'Monstrispiralis'
 12 4 5 3 Tillering culms are distorted with spiraling internodes, single ones normal. B3 D0 D3 F5 J5 L4
4 10.2 -15  
P. hindsii
 15 1 0 4 Similar to P. gramineus, but with wider, more erect leaves. B4 B8 C1 C2 C6 D0 D3 E2 E6 F0 F3 F5 G9 H4 I0 K0 L4 L7 M0 M3
5 2.5 -18  
P. humilis
 7 0.3 0 3 An attractive dwarf with dark green leaves. An aggressive runner good for erosion control. C2 C4 C6 D0 D3 E4 E6 E7 F3 G9 H2 I1 I7 J3 J7 K0 L4 L7 M2 M3 M4 M8
2 0.8 -18  
P. humilis 'Variegatus'
 4 0.1 0 3 An attractive dwarf with dark green leaves. Striped. D0 D3 F5 H4 K0 M1
1 0.3 -18  
P. juxianensis
JUXIAN BITTER B.		 22 1.25 -5 5 From Zhejiang, China. Culms used for making umbrella stalk. White ring below nodes. D0 D8 F5 F6 K0 M1
7 3.2 -21  
P. kongosanensis
 6 0.4 0 4 Dark green leaves. C0 C6 D0 I1 K0 K2 K8
2 1 -18  
P. kongosanensis 'Akibensis'
 6 0.4 0 4 The culms are densely hairy except for the nodes which have only a few hairs. K0
2 1 -18  
P. kongosanensis 'Aureostriatus'
 6 0.4 0 4 The dark green leaves have an occasional golden stripe and are covered with soft hairs on their lower surface. B8 D0 F5 G8 I7 J8 K0 L4 L7 M0 M3 M4
2 1 -18  
P. linearis
 14 1 10 5 A native of Taiwan, a vigorous runner with long, narrow, grass-like leaves. A6 B0 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 C6 D0 D3 E6 F3 F5 G9 H4 I0 I1 I7 J3 J5 K0 K8 M0 M3
4 2.5 -12  
P. linearis 'Nana'
 4 0.5 10 5 Shorter, with narrower leaves. C6 D0 D3 G9
1 1.3 -12  
P. nagashima
 7 0.3 -5 3-5 A dwarf Japanese bamboo, usually grows no more than 2 feet tall. D0 F6 J6 K0
2 0.8 -21  
P. oleosus
 16 1.3 -5 5 Similar to Brachystachyum densiflorum var. villosum but with culm leaf sheath margins greenish ciliate. D0 D8 F6 H4 I7 K0 L4
5 3.3 -21  
P. pygmaeus
 2 0.1 8 3 Similar to P. distichus except that the leaves are hairy below. Other small bamboos are often sold under this name. A6 B3 B8 C1 C4 C6 D0 D3 D8 E0 E4 E8 F3 F5 G8 H1 H2 H4 H7 H8 I1 I2 I7 I8 J1 J4 J5 J6 J7 K0 K2 K8 L0 L2 L4 L9 M1 M3 M7 M8
1 0.3 -13  
P. pygmaeus 'Ramosissimus'
 6 0.1 0 3 Similar to P. distichus and P. pygmaeus but taller and hardier. B3 D0 F3 G8 I7 J4 J5 K0 L4 M1
2 0.3 -18  
P. shibuyanus 'Tsuboi'
UEDA-ZASA		 9 0.3 -5 3 A vigorous growing dwarf with rather small, white striped leaves. A0 A6 B8 C0 C1 C4 C6 D0 D2 D3 D8 E0 E6 E7 F3 F5 F7 G9 H1 H8 I0 I1 I5 I7 I8 J1 J3 J4 J5 J8 K0 K2 L0 L4 L7 M0 M1 M3 M4 M8 N1
3 0.8 -21  
P. simonii
MEDAKE		 20 1.5 0 4 A medium size hardy bamboo that produces straight culms which are useful for many purposes. A6 B2 B8 C0 C1 C2 C4 D0 D1 D2 D3 D8 E0 E6 E7 F0 F5 F6 G1 G9 H0 H3 H5 I0 I1 I7 J4 J5 J7 K0 L4 M1 M3 M7 M9
6 3.8 -18  
P. simonii 'Variegatus'
 20 1.5 0 4 Has some leaves variegated. Leaves on a culm may be different types broad, narrow, green, or white striped. B8 C0 C1 C2 C6 D0 D3 D8 F0 F5 F6 G0 G8 G9 H8 I0 I1 I5 I7 J5 J8 K0 K2 L4 M1 M4 M9
6 3.8 -18  
P. viridistriatus
DWARF GREEN STRIPE		 3 0.3 0 2 The new leaves in spring are golden-yellow with green stripes, about 7 by 11/2 inch, densely hairy on the lower surface. Old culms can be mowed in winter making way for brilliant new growth in spring. B3 B4 B8 C0 C1 C2 C6 D0 D2 D3 D4 D8 E0 E6 E7 E8 F0 F2 F3 F5 F6 F7 G0 G1 G8 G9 H0 H2 H7 H8 I1 I5 I7 I8 J1 J3 J4 J5 J6 J7 J9 K0 L0 L4 L5 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M7 M8 M9 N2
1 0.8 -18  
P. viridistriatus 'Chrysophyllus'
 3 0.3 0 2 Same, except that the leaves are yellow with very faint green stripes. A6 B8 C1 C4 C6 D0 D3 E7 E8 F3 F5 G9 H8 I1 I5 I7 I8 J4 J5 J7 K0 K2 L4 L5 L7 M1 M3 M9
1 0.8 -18  
P. xestrophyllus
 6 0.4 0   Up to 6 ft tall, 3/8" thick, furry culms. Grows wild in Honshu; leaves green. May be a form of P. nagashima. K0 L7
2 1 -18  
  feet
meters		 max diam
inch
cm		 min temp
°F
°C		 shade sun
5=full sun		 Comments - Description Sources
PSEUDOSASA Small to medium size running bamboos which usually have only one branch at a node.
P. amabilis
TONKIN CANE, TEA STICK		 50 2.5 15 5 The culms are straight, thick walled, non-prominent nodes, valued for its wood. Used for split bamboo fishing poles, decorative wood trim. Native to a very small area of China. A6 B3 B8 C1 C6 D0 D3 F0 F3 F5 F6 G1 G8 G9 H5 I1 I7 I9 J5 K0 K8 L4 M0 M1 M3
15 6.4 -9  
P. cantori
 16 1.3 0 3 New from China. Even joints with black waxy ring above and below nodes. Used for furniture. B8 D0 F3 F5 G9 K0 L4 M0 M3
5 3.3 -18  
P. japonica
ARROW BAMBOO (YADAKE)		 18 0.8 0 3-5 The culms are erect with rather large leaves, up to a foot long by 11/2 inches wide. Less invasive than most other runners. It does well in tubs and pots. The culms were used in ancient Japan to make arrows. A4 A5 A6 B2 B3 B4 B7 B8 B9 C0 C1 C2 C4 C5 C6 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D8 E0 E1 E2 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 F0 F1 F3 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 G1 G2 G4 G8 G9 H0 H1 H2 H4 H7 H8 H9 I0 I1 I2 I5 I6 I7 I8 I9 J0 J1 J3 J4 J5 J7 K0 K1 K2 K6 K8 K9 L2 L4 L5 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M3 M4 M7 M8 M9 N1 N3 N5
6 2 -18  
P. japonica 'Akebono'
 18 0.8 0 3 Leaves are green at the base, shade to yellow-white at the tips. A6 B8 C6 D0 D3 D8 E6 E7 F5 G3 G8 G9 J8 K0 L7 M2 M3
6 2 -18  
P. japonica 'Akebono-suji'
 18 0.8 0 3 Leaves similar to 'Akebono' except that green stripes also run from base to tip of the leaves. B8 C6 D0 D3 D8 E5 F0 F3 F5 G9
6 2 -18  
P. japonica 'Pleioblastoides'
 18 0.8 0 3 Differs only in having three branches at the node instead of just one. B8 C6 D0 D3 H8 I0 J7 K0 L4
6 2 -18  
P. japonica 'Tsutsumiana'
GREEN ONION BAMBOO		 18 0.8 0 3 Similar to the type except that the culm internodes tend to be swollen, in shape somewhat like a green onion. A5 A6 B3 B4 B7 B8 C1 C2 C4 C6 C8 D0 D1 D2 D3 E0 E5 E7 F0 F3 F5 F6 F7 F9 G1 G3 G8 G9 H4 I0 I1 I2 I7 I8 I9 J0 J5 J7 K0 K2 K8 L4 L7 L9 M0 M1 M2 M4 M9
6 2 -18  
P. japonica 'Variegata'
 18 0.8 0 3 Similar to the type, but with white stripes on the leaves. B8 C6 D0 D3 F0 F5 H6 I0 J6 K0 K8
6 2 -18  
P. longiligula
 26 1.7 0 3 Thick tall culms with even nodes, used in China for furniture making. B8 D0 F0 F5 G9 K0 M3
8 4.3 -18  
P. owatarii
 3 0.3 0 3 Endemic to Yakushima, a small island in Japan. Form pygmaea is only a few inches tall. A6 B8 D0 D3 E7 F3 F5 G9 I8 K0 L7 M0 M3
1 0.8 -18  
P. usawai
 16 0.8 10 3 From Taiwan where it grows at elevations up to about 4,000 feet. B8 C6 D3 F5 G9 K0 L4 L7 M3
5 2 -12  
P. viridula
 18 0.8 0 3 Long wide green leaves. A6 D0 F3 F5 G9 J3 J6 K0 M3
6 2 -18  

 

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This page was last modified on Sunday, 2008-05-11 12:51