| General Description | A sturdy clump-forming evergreen bamboo, P. bambusoides has erect green culms with prominent sulcus. Leaf sheaths are present that have prominent bristles surrounding large broad leaves. |
| ID Characteristic | Produces small flowers that can be aesthetically pleasing 'en masse'. |
| Shape | Vertical with tall erect culms (canes). |
| Landscape | Densely planted on riverbanks to prevent erosion in Japan. Can be planted as a specimen, windbreak or crop. |
| Propagation | Propagation by division of culms. |
| Cultivation | Prefers full sun and well-drained, rich loamy soils. |
| Pests | Spider mites only on cultivars with yellow variegation on leaves. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Green smooth bark with large visible internodes. |
| Leaf Description | Broad linear leaves with parallel venation and entire margins. |
| Flower Description | Small inflorescence resembling most grasses. They are brown and burgundy with small yellow petals. |
| Colour Description | Green stems with showy large suculus that are greyish-brown on the divisions of the internodes, with green branches that have alternate branching. |
| Texture Description | Fine smooth texture. |