Semiarundinaria

(Gramineae - grass family)

Medium size running bamboos native to Japan and E. Asia. The clasping leaves (culm leaves) which protect the shoot as it is developing remain attached to new culms for some time after the culms reach their full height. These persistent culm leaves give the plants a rather distinctive appearance. Frequently cultivated as garden ornamentals in their native region.

fastuosa viridis

max ht 35' • max culm dia 1½" • min temp -5°F

Narihara bamboo; Japanese palm tree bamboo

edible, hedge - screen, sun - part shade
Japan

A stately and handsome bamboo, with straight, vertical culms. A relatively slow spreader, and quite cold hardy. Long inter- nodes reportedly make culms of this variety a suitable material for making flutes. Culms are straight and round, wood is relatively weak. We do not have a rating available for the eating quality of the shoots, but the shoots of the species (Semiarundinaria fastuosa) of which this is a variety are described as being sweet even when raw.

up to 1½' tall, cat # 8T4D1 $24.95 each.
1½'-3' tall, cat # 8T4D2 $35.95 each.

okuboi

max ht 25' • max culm dia 1½" • min temp 0°F

(bamboo)

container, screen, sun - part shade

Japan (Semiarundinaria villosa) The relatively broad leaves are covered on the underside with soft hairs. A fast spreading species.

up to 1½' tall, cat # 8T4G1 $24.95 each.
up to 1½' tall, cat # 8T4G2 $35.95 each.