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.

Landscape

Densely planted on riverbanks to prevent erosion in Japan. Can be planted as a specimen, windbreak or crop.

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and well-drained, rich loamy soils.

Shape

Vertical with tall erect culms (canes).

Growth

Fast

ID Characteristic

Produces small flowers that can be aesthetically pleasing 'en masse'.

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.

Propagation

Propagation by division of culms.

Christopher Brickell. C.B. (2011). ENCYLOPEDIA OF PLANTS & FLOWERS REVISED AND UPDATED. London, England: Dorling Kindersley. Christopher Brickell, C.B. (2004). Canadian Encyclopedia of Gardening. Ontario: Dorling Kindersley. Siebold, Philip Franz Balthasar von, & Zuccarini, Joseph Gerhard (1843). Abhandlungen der konglich bayerischen akademie der wisserschaften.