General Landscape Uses: Ornamental, hedges and privacy screens, container planting, traditional use

Ecological Restoration Notes: Erosion control, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration

Description: Clumping bamboo that is highly sought after for its unique swollen culms (stems), which resemble “bellies.”

Dimensions: Height 40 – 55 ft.; Spread 30 – 40 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Native Range: Southern China

Native Habitats: Tropical and subtropical forests

Soils: Well-drained, fertile with a pH of 6 – 7.5

Nutritional Requirements: High

Salt Water Tolerance: Low

Salt Wind Tolerance: Low

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Sun

Flower Color: Pal green to yellowish-brown

Flower Characteristics: Flowering is rare and unpredictable, typically occurring every 40 – 50 years.  After flowering, the plant often declines or dies.

Flowering Season: Spring to Summer

Fruit: Small, dry fruits, green when immature turning brown when mature and dry

Wildlife and Ecology: Soil stabilization and erosion control, carbon sequestration, water retention and microclimate regulation, wildlife habitat, pollination and seed dispersal

Horticultural Notes: Grown from division or cuttings

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