Family: Poaceae
Common Name: Bamboo

This group of running bamboos is native to Asia, Japan and North America. Climatically they are suitable for planting in many parts of the US, although they can he very invasive as sprouts can come up some distance away from the original plants. Care should be taken to confine them.

Species

Although many species are cultivated, especially in Japan and China, few species are grown by American gardeners.

A. gigantea zone 6, is the species sometimes grown in gardens. It reaches 4-5 m (13-16 ft) high.

A. pygmaea (now correctly Pleioblastus pygmaeus), dwarf bamboo, zone 8, grows to only about 30 cm (12 in) and is ideal for both tub culture and bonsai. The foliage is bright green and the sterns are attractively marked in purple. Both species are vigorous growers.

Cultivation

Propagate this type of bamboo by cutting off the top of a young shoot, leaving several lower nodes. For the large species, take a length of 1.5 m (5 ft). Plant in rich, moist soil to about 25 cm (10 in). Healthy rhizomes, about 35 cm (14 in) long, can also be used. They should be yellowish, with good buds and lots of small fibrous roots. Plant about 20 cm (8 in) deep.

Climate

Zones 6 to 8 according to species.