Phyllostachys

Bamboo. About 30 species of tall to very tall, evergreen, woody-stemmed grasses. Native to temperate east Asia and the Himalayas. This genus contains the largest, and many of the most useful, of the temperate zone bamboos. Phyllostachys species are mostly aggressive spreaders. The shoots are edible, but vary in quality depending on species. (The shoots of some species develop an acrid flavor when exposed to light. In the case of these species, the shoots can be harvested as soon as they emerge from the ground, soil or mulch can be mounded up around the shoots to prevent them from being exposed to light. Shoots can also be boiled in one or more changes of water to remove acrid flavor.) The culms (canes) of all species are useful for a wide variety of purposes; their size, strength, and durability vary considerably, however, among the different species. Phyllostachys species usually prefer full sun, and tend to be intolerant of heavy shade. They typically have graceful, willowy foliage. Culms of most species are upright within groves, and depending on the species and selection may remain upright or may arch outwards at the edge of groves. Species descriptions in many cases include notes on edibility of shoots, quality of wood, and growth habit of the culms. The maximum heights and culm diameters listed are typical for the species, but in some cases species can exceed these typical sizes. Where available, we have also included the maximum reported size. We now have available 3-5' and larger sizes for some species. The prices listed here are for plants with a single culm. In the 3-5' and larger sizes, multiple culm plants are usually available also; please inquire. Sizes over 3' tall are not always available during the period from January to May, but are usually available at other times. 7'-9' and larger sizes are not shippable by UPS. If you order a larger size plant and it is not available, we will substitute the next smaller size of that species available and refund the difference, unless you specify otherwise. Phyllostachys species in the less than 11/2' and 11/2-3' sizes are normally shipped in 6" pots. Larger sizes are normally shipped as burlapped plants. For some areas, pot size may be reduced for shipping. Quantity rates and wholesale rates are available for some species - please inquire.

angusta

max ht 22' • max culm dia 1¼" • min temp -3°F

stone bamboo; sah chu

container, edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

Culms are quite straight and upright. Good for hedges. Produces very hard, strong wood which is used in China to make fine furniture. Shoots are notably free of acrid flavor, even when raw. One of the best species for edible shoot production.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2B1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2B2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R2B3 $46.95 each.
5'-7' tall, cat # 8R3B4 $57.95 each.

arcana

max ht 27' • max culm dia 1¼" • min temp -8°F

lao zhu; shi lu zhu

edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

A relatively slow spreader with heavy foliage; well suited for use as a hedge or screen. Culms are mostly quite straight and upright, and thin-walled with little taper. Culms split easily and are well suited for use in basketry and weaving, but are not particularly strong. Has shown good winter hardiness in our tests here.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2J1 $28.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2J2 $39.95 each.

aurea albovariegata

max ht 27' • max culm dia 1¾" • min temp 0°F?

fishpole bamboo; golden bamboo; hotei-chiku

hedge - screen, sun - part shade

The species is one of the most commonly cultivated bamboos in the U.S. Culms are green when young, becoming yellow, and stiffly upright. When mature, the wood is very hard and strong. A distinctive ornamental feature of Phyllostachys aurea is the presence near the base of some of the culms of one or more very short and irregularly swollen internodes. This form albovariegata differs from the species only in having occasional white stripes on the leaves.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2D1 $25.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2D2 $36.95 each.

aurea flavescens inversa

max ht 27' • max culm dia 1¾" • min temp 0°F?

fishpole bamboo; golden bamboo; hotei-chiku

hedge - screen, sun - part shade

This form flavescens inversa differs from the species only in having yellow grooves on green culms. Shoots are considered to be of good quality for eating.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2G1 $25.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2G2 $36.95 each.

aureosulcata

max ht 45' • max culm dia 2⅕" • min temp -10° F

yellowgroove bamboo

edible, container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

One of the more cold-hardy bamboo species, it is widely grown in the U.S. Culms are strongly upright, with dense foliage. A good species for hedges or screens. Young culms are green with yellow grooves. Shoots are notably free of acrid flavor, even when raw; one of the best species for edible shoot production. Wood is not of high quality, as compared with other species, and is less durable than that of some species when used outdoors (but the culms are straight and sturdy and quite suitable for many uses). About 20% of the culms have a distinct (and sometimes very pronounced) crook near the base. This feature, which is descriptively referred to as genuflection (meaning "bending of the knee") adds to the ornamental appeal of the species. Has been reported to grow as large as 40' tall with 21/4" diameter culms in the U.S. An aggressive spreader. Note: Sizes over 3' tall are not always available during the period from January to May, but are usually available at other times. 7'-9' and larger sizes are not shippable by UPS. Quantity rates and wholesale rates available on request.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2N1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2N2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R2N3 $46.95 each.
5'-7' tall, cat # 8R2N4 $57.95 each.
7'-9' tall, cat # 8R2N5 $68.95 each.
9'-11' tall, cat # 8R2N6 $79.95 each.
11'-13' tall, cat # 8R2N7 $90.95 each.

aureosulcata 'Aureocaulis'

max ht 26' • max culm dia 1½" • min temp -10° F

golden yellowgroove bamboo

edible, container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

China Similar to P. aureosulcata, the culms are entirely yellow except for a few vertical green stripes. The new shoots emerge yellow with vertical green stripes beneath the node and touched with red on the sun side of the culm.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2R1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2R2 $35.95 each.

aureosulcata 'Spectabilis'

max ht 26' • max culm dia 1½" • min temp -10° F

green groove bamboo

edible, container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

Similar to Phyllostachys aureosulcata in most respects, but the culms of this distinctly ornamental bamboo are golden yellow with a green groove, and the leaves are sometimes variegated with white stripes. Green groove bamboo's combination of strikingly distinctive coloration, size, and cold hardiness place it high on the list of large, showy bamboos suitable for cold climates. Note: sizes over 3' tall are not always available during the period from January to May, but are usually available at other times. 7'-9' and larger sizes are not shippable by UPS.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2R1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2R2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R2R3 $46.95 each.
5'-7' tall, cat # 8R2R4 $57.95 each.
7'-9' tall, cat # 8R2R5 $68.95 each.

bambusoides

max ht 72' • max culm dia 5" • min temp 0°F

madake; Japanese timber bamboo

screen, sun - part shade
China The most economically important bamboo species in

Japan. Grown for its large, straight, thick-walled culms and edible shoots. Produces a grove with widely spaced culms. A valuable producer of edible shoots; they are slightly acrid when raw.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2S1 $24.95 each.
equal to or greater than (=>) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2S2 $35.95 each.

bambusoides 'Castillon Inversa'

max ht 35' • max culm dia 2" • min temp 5°F

Japanese timber bamboo

edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

Distinguished from P. bambusoides by its much smaller stature, and by the yellow grooves on the green culms. Cultivated largely for its ornamental appeal, but the high-quality wood is well suited for many purposes also.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R2V1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R2V2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R2V3 $46.95 each.

bissetii

max ht 40' • max culm dia 2" • min temp -10°F

David Bissett bamboo

edible, container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

A vigorous spreader, and quite cold hardy. Upright culms and very dense foliage make this a particularly good species for use as a hedge, screen, or windbreak. Quite tolerant of shade, for a Phyllostachys species. Wood is considered relatively strong; shoots are edible and of good quality. Reported to grow nearly twice as large as the listed size in the southeastern U.S., although it may be a different form of this species which does so. Note: Sizes over 3' tall are not always available during the period from January to May, but are usually available at other times. 7'-9' and larger sizes are not shippable by UPS. Quantity rates and wholesale rates available on request.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3B1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3B2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R3B3 $46.95 each.
5'-7' tall, cat # 8R3B4 $57.95 each.
7'-9' tall, cat # 8R3B5 $68.95 each.
9'-11' tall, cat # 8R3B6 $79.95 each.

bissetii (dwarf form)

max ht 18' • max culm dia 1" • min temp -15°F

dwarf David Bissett bamboo

container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

Much like the species, above, except in size. Also, the culms sometimes develop a distinctive white, waxy coating. This selection has proven to be one of the most cold hardy bamboo species we have tested here. After being exposed to a temperature of -16°F, the leaves were killed, but the wood and many of the buds survived, so the culms leafed out, at least partially, in spring. Well suited for use as a hedge or screen. Note: Sizes over 3' tall are not always available during the period from January to May, but are usually available at other times. 7'-9' and larger sizes are not shippable by UPS. Quantity rates and wholesale rates available on request.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3C1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3C2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R3C3 $46.95 each.
5'-7' tall, cat # 8R3C4 $57.95 each.
7'-9' tall, cat # 8R3C5 $68.95 each.
9'-11' tall, cat # 8R3C6 $79.95 each.

congesta

max ht 35' • max culm dia 2¾" • min temp -10°F

incense bamboo

edible, container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

One of the most cold hardy of all bamboos. Culms are strongly tapered and stiffly upright. Spreads and increases in height quickly. May be tolerant of wet locations. Among the best species for edible shoot production, as it produces abundant shoots which are good even when raw.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3E1 $28.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3E2 $39.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R3E3 $50.95 each.
5'-7' tall, cat # 8R3E4 $61.95 each.

decora

max ht 30' • max culm dia 1⅘" • min temp -10°F?

beautiful bamboo

screen, sun - part shade
China

The Chinese refer to this species as "beautiful bamboo". Strongly upright culms with dropping foliage. Culms turn orange-yellow when exposed to the sun. Capable of reaching full size quite quickly. Shoots are edible and rated good to excellent in quality. Wood is considered good in quality. Reported to grow as large as 35' tall with 11/2 diameter culms in the U.S. A rugged species, it is reported to be especially resistant to drought and extremes of temperature. Grows well on sandy soil. Reported to do well in the intermountain West. This species has now been through two winters in our outdoor test plantings, and has shown very good cold hardiness. In both winters, we experienced extreme lows of -8°F along with extended periods of bitterly cold, windy weather. In a location sheltered from the wind,Phyllostachys decora suffered only minor leaf injury. In a more exposed location there was more leaf injury, but essentially no injury to the wood (culms and branches).

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3F1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3F2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R3F3 $46.95 each.
5'-7' tall, cat # 8R3F4 $57.95 each.

dulcis

max ht 40' • max culm dia 2¾" • min temp 0°F

sweetshoot bamboo

edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

A large, outstandingly ornamental species. The relatively thick, strongly tapered culms arch gracefully towards the light. Reaches its mature size in as little as 7 to 8 years, which is faster than most hardy bamboos. Best known for its delicious shoots, considered to be among the very best bamboo shoots for eating. According to plant explorer Frank N. Meyer, as quoted by Daphne Lewis in Hardy Bamboos for Shoots & Poles, sweetshoot bamboo is "the edible bamboo grown in nearly every back yard in central China". The lack of tough fibers in the culms renders the shoots especially tender for eating, but causes the culms to be of relatively little value as building material. Sends up many extra shoots which do not develop into culms; these shoots lend themselves easily to the palate.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3G1 $28.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3G2 $39.95 each.

flexuosa

max ht 31 • max culm dia 2¾" • min temp -8°F

(bamboo)

edible, screen, sun - part shade
China

This fast-growing and relatively cold-hardy species is named for the slight zig-zag growth habit shown by some of the culms (some are straight). Culms bear dense foliage, but the species forms a relatively open grove with the outer culms tending to lean toward the light. The shoots are considered to be of excellent quality for eating. The wood is considered to be of medium quality, and may be used for a variety of purposes including weaving into baskets and other articles. Tolerant of wind, and of sandy or saline soil, and pH up to 8.2.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3J1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3J2 $35.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R3J3 $46.95 each.

heterocycla pubescens

max ht 75' • max culm dia 7" • min temp 0°F

moso; Chinese timber bamboo

edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

The largest of the temperate zone bamboo species, and one of the most handsome. The most economically important bamboo species in China. The wood is of high quality for construction purposes. Shoots are much utilized as food, although they are quite acrid when raw. A useful identifying characteristic is the dense velvety covering on young culms. Moso is somewhat more difficult to propagate and establish, and slower to develop, than most bamboos. 5'-7' and larger sizes are not shippable by UPS.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3P1 $26.95 each.

makinoi

max ht 60 • max culm dia 3" • min temp 0°F

Makino bamboo; kei-chiku; gui zhu

edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

The tall, dark green, stiffly upright culms of this species are thick-walled and strong; the wood is of excellent quality. Used for building construction, scaffolding, paper production, furniture making, and other purposes; excellent for weaving. Young culms are covered with bluish powder which adds a nice ornamental touch. Young shoots are edible.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3S1 $28.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3S2 $39.95 each.

meyeri

max ht 33' • max culm dia 2" • min temp 0°F

Meyer bamboo

container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
cent China

Develops a very dense grove, with strongly upright, closely spaced culms. Excellent hedge or screen. Culms are fast- growing, smooth, and shiny. Some culms show a crook, referred to as "genuflection", near the base (see description of Phyllostachys aureosulcata). Wood is considered to be of the highest quality, exceptionally strong and suited to a wide variety of uses. Shoots are described as being free of acrid taste and delicious, among the best in quality.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3V1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3V2 $35.95 each.

nidularia 'Smoothsheath'

max ht 33' • max culm dia 1½" • min temp -10°F(?)

(bamboo)

edible, container, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

Culms are strongly upright, and sometimes sinuous, arching at the tips from the weight of the foliage. Culms have very prominent nodes (joints). Wood is described as being strong and useful. Shoots are of excellent quality for eating; considered one of the best species for edible shoot production. In China this species reportedly provides the earliest spring shoots available in the markets. This cultivar has now been through two winters in our outdoor test plantings, and has shown very good cold hardiness. In both winters, we experienced extreme lows of -8°F along with extended periods of bitterly cold, windy weather. In a location sheltered from the wind, Phyllostachys nidularia 'Smoothsheath' suffered only minor leaf injury.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R3Z1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R3Z2 $35.95 each.

nigra

max ht 30' • max culm dia 2" • min temp 0°F

black bamboo; kuro-chiku

container, edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
China

Strikingly ornamental and very popular, with the abundant green foliage contrasting with the black culms. Culms are green at first, gradually turning black. Black coloration develops best when culms are exposed to the sun. Forms a small, open grove; not particularly invasive. Does not seem to attain its maximum size in areas with very mild winters. Culms tend to arch gracefully, and may lie down when weighted by rain or other forms of precipitation. Culm are thin walled; wood is hard and tough. The wood is used for a number of purposes, including furniture and musical instuments, and decorative uses such as panels and inlays. Shoots are described as being acrid when raw, delicious cooked. Somewhat shade tolerant, and may prefer a bit of shade when grown in hot climates (but should have plenty of light for best development). Tolerates clay soil. Appreciates a steady moisture supply. Shows leaf burn when grown in alkaline soil. Has been reported to grow as large as 60' tall and 31/4" in diameter in the U.S.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R4C1 $34.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R4C2 $45.95 each.
3'-5' tall, cat # 8R4C3 $56.95 each.
5-7' tall, cat # 8R4C4 $67.95 each.

nigra 'Bory'

max ht 50' • max culm dia 3" • min temp 0°F

snakeskin bamboo

container, screen, sun - part shade
China

Distinguished from Phyllostachys nigra in (usually) growing considerably larger, and because the black color on the culms occurs in splotches, never completely covering the culms. Wood is hard, tough, and of high quality; well suited for weaving and many other purposes. Strips split from the culms are very tough and pliable. Shoots are described as being slightly acrid when raw, but excellent when cooked, and fragrant while cooking.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R4D1 $28.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R4D2 $39.95 each.

nigra 'Hale'

max ht 20' • max culm dia 1½" • min temp -5°F

'Hale' black bamboo

container, screen, sun - part shade
China

Smaller than Phyllostachys nigra, more cold hardy, and develops its black coloration faster. Outstandingly ornamental, it is a gem among bamboos.

less than (<) 1½' tall, cat # 8R4G1 $39.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8R4G2 $50.95 each.