Exploring the Myth, the Legend, the Truth of Bamboo

Bamboo is mystical; it’s exotic; it’s strange; it’s foreign. It’ll take over the world! It starts running, spreading and you can’t stop it. That’s the myth. 

For some, memories of cane poles, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and fishing along a creek or on the banks of a river may be the only real link to bamboo. Yes, those cane poles were native North American bamboo. Canebreak rattlers, the common name for a species of rattlesnake commonly found in North American canebreak bamboo, may bring forth the vision of danger, or the excitement of the unknown.

The truth is bamboo is a grass. It grows from river valleys to the top of mountains up to 9,000 ft elevation. There are over 1,200 species of bamboo worldwide. There is only one species, and one subspecies, native to the United States.

Around the world, bamboo is used for building shelters, for food, furniture, tools, toys, crafts, as wind breaks, to stabilize soil erosion, as food for pandas, as fiber for clothing and bedding, and as an ornamental. Some species of bamboo exceed 100 ft in height, while others are only about 6 to 12 inches tall. Bamboo is used as a ground cover, as hedges, as windbreaks, or as a potted plant on patios. 

Species available at Colorado Gators:











Price per pot size (gallon)

GENUS species common name Max Height feet/meters Max diam inch/cm Min Temp °F/°C Shade Sun 5-full sun 1 2 3 5 large 7-20
1 Arundinaria giganteae  Cane Brake 20 / 6.1 1 / 2.5 -10 / -23 5 30 40 50 60 70

     The bamboo species native to the U.S. Once grew from Georgia and Texas to Maryland and Ohio. Some clones deciduous at low temperatures. 









2 Arundinaria gigantea ssp. tecta Switch Cane 6 / 1.8 0.5 / 1.3 -10 / -23 5 30 40 50 60 70

    Similar to the species but generally smaller. It differs by having persistent culm sheaths, has air channels in its rhizomes, and can grow in soggy ground. 









3 Bashania fargesii Windbreak 20 / 6.1 2 / 5.1 0 / -18 4 30 40 50 60 70

    Native to the mountains of China. Leaves up to a foot long. 









4 Borinda fungosa
20 / 6.1 1 / 2.5 15 / -9 3 40 50 60 80 100

    Yunnan, from 6,000 to 9,000 feet. Shoots sweet, culms used for weaving. Aka Fargesia









*5 Chimonobambusa quadrangularis 'Suow'
25 / 7.6 0.5 / 1.3 15 / -9 4 30 40 50 70 90

    Culms are yellow with a few green strips of varying width.









6 Fargesia denudata
16 / 4.9 0.5 / 1.3 0 / -18 3 40 50 60 70 80

    From Sichuan. Similar to F. murieliae, but leaves are smaller and more delicate. Culms branch out after the first winter.









7 Fargesia dracocephala Dragonhead 16 / 4.9 0.8 / 1.9 -10 / -23 3 30 40 50 80 100

    Native to China at elevations over 6,000 feet. Plants in the U.S. from seed obtained from Germany.









8 Fargesia murieliae Umbrella 15 / 4.6 0.5 / 1.3 -20 / -29 2 40 50 60 70 90

    Similar to F. nitida, but with green culms. May be the hardiest bamboo in the U.S. Grows at above 10,000 feet in China, important panda food.





















9 Fargesia nitida Blue Fountain 12 / 3.7 0.5 / 1.3 -20 / -29 2 50 60 70 80 100

    Upright culms with thick grey deciduous wax when young, may become nearly black. Sheaths orange-ribbed. First introduced as seed in 1889, from which many cultivars named.  Those plants currently starting a protracted flowering phase 









10 Fargesia robusta Green Screen™ 16 / 4.9 1 / 2.5 -4 / -20 4 40 50 60 70 90

    From Sichuan Province, China, at elevations over 8,000 feet. Early shoots. 









11 Fargesia sp. 'Rufa'


-5 / -21 2 40 50 60 70 80

    From Sichuan, with orange-red culm sheaths. Early shoots. Also known as Gansu 95-1









12 Hibanobambusa tranquillans 'Shiroshima'
16 / 4.9 1.3 / 3.2 0 / -18 4 30 40 50 60 80

    This form has strikingly attractive leaves variegated in cream and green. The colors persist throughout the year. 









13 Himalyacalamus falconeri 'Damarapa' Candy Cane 20 / 6.1 2 / 5.1 15 / -9 2 50 60 70 80 100

    A beautiful Himalayan bamboo with masses of leaves borne on long, slender branchlets.  Culms are green, striped with yellow or lavender-pink. Formerly misidentified, and known as Drepanostachyum hookerianum.









14 Indocalamus latifolius
10 / 3 0.5 / 1.3 0 / -18 3 25 35 45 60 80

    Similar to I. tessellatus, leaves about a foot long. 









15 Indocalamus tessellatus
7 / 2.1 0.5 / 1.3 0 / -18 4 35 45 55 65 75

    Usually less than 4 feet tall, it can reach 10 feet and has the largest leaves of any bamboo in cultivation, up to 26 inches by 4 inches.  Adapts easily to growing in pots. Does well in shade or sun. 









16 Otatea acuminata ssp. aztecorum Mexican Weeping 20 / 6.1 1.5 / 3.8 22 / -6 4 35 45 55 65 75

    The long narrow leaves are produced in such abundance that they almost completely obscure the culms.  Clumps open with culms spaced up to 1 or 2 feet. 









17 Phyllostachys atrovaginata Incense Bamboo 35 / 10.7 2.8 / 7 -15 / -26 5 35 45 55 65 75

    The shoots are among those having the least bite when raw.  These plants were formerly listed as P. congesta.









*18 Phyllostachys aurea Golden Bamboo 27 / 8.2 1.8 / 4.4 0 / -18 5 30 40 50 60 80

    The most commonly cultivated bamboo in the U.S., easily identified by one to several short internodes at the base of some of its culms. It is most invasive in areas with warm summers. May grow to 2 1/2 inch diameter in favorable locations.









*19 Phyllostachys aureosulcata Yellow Groove 45 / 13.7 2.2 / 5.6 -10 / -23 5 35 45 55 65 75

    The culms are more slender and delicate than golden bamboo; young culms are green with a yellow groove. Culm internodes distinctly rough to the touch when young, and an occasional culm has a zigzag kink.









20 Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Harbin Inversa'
26 / 7.9 1.5 / 3.8 -10 / -23 5 40 50 60 70 90

    Yellow culms with fine green striping, no grooves other than the sulcus.  It has a beautiful orange/crimson highlight for a while in the spring when grown in full sun.









*21 Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis' Green Groove 26 / 7.9 1.5 / 3.8 -10 / -23 5 35 45 55 65 75

    The culms are yellow with a green groove, just opposite of the typical form. Smaller in hottest areas. 









22 Phyllostachys bambusoides Giant Japanese Timber, Madake  72 / 21.9 6 / 15.2 5 / -15 5 60 70 80 90 100

    The most utilized bamboo in Japan where it is valued for its large straight thick-walled culms. Flowered extensively in the 1970's and many plants died. Most plants have regained their vegetative vigor. 









*23 Phyllostachys bambusoides 'Allgold'
35 / 10.7 2 / 5.1 5 / -15 5 50 60 70 80 100

    The culms are entirely golden yellow except for an occasional thin green stripe.









24 Phyllostachys bissetii
40 / 12.2 2 / 5.1 -15 / -26 5 40 50 60 70 80

    A vigorously growing species whose culms are somewhat darker green than "golden bamboo." It is one of the first species of the genus to shoot in spring. 









*25 Phyllostachys dulcis  (we don't have) Sweet Shoot 40 / 12.2 2.8 / 7 0 / -18 5 30 40 50 60 80

    Arching culms.  Named because its shoots are particularly free of any acrid taste. 





















26 Phyllostachys edulis Moso 75 / 22.9 7 / 17.8 0 / -18 5 35 45 55 65 75

    Largest of the hardy bamboos. Young culms are covered with a velvety coat of soft hairs. The most used bamboo in China, used for food, timber, paper, plywood, flooring. Aka Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens









27 Phyllostachys flexuosa
31 / 9.4 2.8 / 7 0 / -18 5 60 70 80 90 100

    Named because some of the culms show a distinct zigzag pattern. One form is hardy to -8 F









28 Phyllostachys glauca "Yunzhu" 34 / 10.4 2 / 5.1 0 / -18 5 30 40 50 60 80

    Named for blue-white powder that completely covers young culms. In China, grows as large as P. bambusoides.









29 Phyllostachys heteroclada 'Purpurata' Water Bamboo 18 / 5.5 0.8 / 1.9 0 / -18 5 35 45 55 65 80

    The slender, zigzag culms often bend to the ground under the weight of rain or in a strong wind. Air channels in rhizomes permit growth in wet locations. Aka Phyllostachys purpurata.









30 Phyllostachys heteroclada 'Solidstem'
24 / 7.3 1.3 / 3.2 0 / -18 5 35 45 55 65 80

    Similar to the species except that culms are solid below. Aka Phyllostachys purpurata 'Solidstem'









31 Phyllostachys iridescens
40 / 12.2 2.8 / 7 0 / -18 5 40 50 60 70 90

    Some internodes near base have yellow striping. Sweet shoots, used for timber. 









32 Phyllostachys makinoi
60 / 18.3 3 / 7.6 0 / -18 5 60 70 80 90 100

    Whitish green culms are covered with a bluish powder. 









33 Phyllostachys meyeri
33 / 10.1 2 / 5.1 0 / -18 5 30 40 50 60 80

    Similar in appearance to "golden bamboo" but without the short internodes. 









34 Phyllostachys nigra Black Bamboo 30 / 9.1 2 / 5.1 0 / -18 5 40 50 60 70 80

    Culms turn jet black after 6 months to one year. Popular because of its graceful habit and the sharp accent of its culm color. May grow larger in northern climates. 









35 Phyllostachys nigra 'Bory' Snakeskin, Leopard-skin 50 / 15.2 3 / 7.6 0 / -18 5 30 40 50 70 80

    Differs from the above by growing larger. Culms blotched with black, never completely black. 





















36 Phyllostachys nigra 'Hale'
20 / 6.1 1.5 / 3.8 -5 / -21 4 50 60 70 80 100

    Similar to the type, but smaller and hardier.  Culms turn black almost immediately.









37 Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon'
65 / 19.8 4.5 / 11.4 0 / -18 5 30 40 50 70 80

    Culms totally green, usually much larger than "Black bamboo."  Distinctive looking culms are rough to the touch and whitish green. May be the "mother" form.









*38 Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'
54 / 16.5 3.5 / 8.9 0 / -18 5 50 75 100 150 180

    Green, similar to "Henon," but the culm grooves are brown or purplish-black. 









39 Phyllostachys nuda
34 / 10.4 1.8 / 4.4 -20 / -29 5 35 45 55 65 75

    Reputed to be the hardiest species of the genus. New culms are dark green and powdery.









40 Phyllostachys nuda 'Localis'
34 / 10.4 1.8 / 4.4 -20 / -29 5 35 45 55 65 75

    Similar, internodes near the base are blotched, spotted, or striped purple. Blotches show at 6-12 months.









41 Phyllostachys rubromarginata
55 / 16.8 2.8 / 7 -5 / -21 5 40 50 60 70 80

    Noted for its good quality wood and edible shoots, it tolerates cold, dry winds. Tests in Alabama showed it to be superior in culm production and cold tolerance.









42 Phyllostachys viridis
47 / 14.3 3.3 / 8.3 -5 / -21 5 40 50 60 70 80

    A large species, high quality wood, excellent shoots. Culms feel somewhat rough due to tiny indentations.









*43 Phyllostachys viridis 'Robert Young'
40 / 12.2  3 / 7.6 0 / -18 5





    The culms and branches soon turn from sulfur green to old gold. Longitudinal green stripes of variable width mark many internodes. 









44 Phyllostachys vivax Vivax 70 / 21.3 5 / 12.7 -5 / -21 5 35 45 55 65 75

    Resembles P. bambusoides except that the culms have thinner walls and a white powdery band beneath each node at sheath-fall. Gray-green when mature.





















45 Pleioblastus distichus Dwarf Fernleaf 2 / 0.6 0.2 / 0.5 -5 / -21 3 25 35 45 55 70

    Branchlets bear tiny, two ranked leaves which are often only 1 inch long by 1/4 inch wide. A good ground cover or container plant. 









46 Pleioblastus fortunei Dwarf Whitestripe 4 / 1.2 0.2 / 0.5 -10 / -23 2 20 30 40 50 60

    A most desirable dwarf variegated bamboo. The leaves tend to keep their green and white stripes throughout the year. Leaves softly hairy on the lower surface. Aka Pleioblastus variegatus









*47 Pleioblastus linearis
14 / 4.3 1 / 2.5 5 / -15 5 30 40 50 60 70

    A native of Taiwan, a vigorous runner with long, narrow, grass-like leaves. 









*48 Pleioblastus pygmaeus
2 / 0.6 0.1 / 0.3 8 / -13 3





    Similar to P. distichus, except that the leaves are hairy below. Other small bamboos are often sold under this name.









49 Pleioblastus shibuyanus 'Tsuboi' Ueda-Zasa 9 / 2.7 0.3 / 0.6 -5 / -21 3 20 30 40 50 60

    A vigorous growing dwarf with rather small, white striped leaves. 









50 Pleioblastus viridistriatus Dwarf Green Stripe 3 / 0.9 0.3 / 0.6 0 / -18 2 20 30 40 50 60

    The new leaves in spring are golden-yellow with green stripes, about 7 by 1 1/2 inches, densely hairy on the lower surface. Old culms can be mowed in winter making way for brilliant new growth in spring.









51 Pseudosasa japonica Arrow Bamboo (Yadake) 18 / 5.5 0.8 / 1.9 0 / -18 3 30 40 50 60 70

    The culms are erect with rather large leaves, up to a foot long by 1 1/2 inches wide. Less invasive than most other runners. It does well in tubs and pots. The culms were used in ancient Japan to make arrows. 









52 Pseudosasa japonica 'Akebonosuji'
18 / 5.5 0.8 / 1.9 0 / -18 3 35 45 55 65 75

    Leaves similar to 'Akebono,' except that green stripes also run from base to tip of the leaves.









53 Sasa kurilensis 'Simofuri' Simofuri 6 / 1.8 0.5 / 1.3 0 / -18 2 35 45 55 65 75

    Same, except that the leaves are variegated with many fine white stripes. A very attractive ornamental.





















54 Sasa oshidensis
6 / 1.8 0.3 / 0.6 0 / -18 3 30 40 50 60 80

    A vigorous growing dwarf bamboo that tolerates both cold and heat. 









55 Sasa palmata
7 / 2.1 0.5 / 1.3 -5 / -21 2 35 45 55 65 75

    The thick, leathery leaves are up to 15 inches long by 2 1/2 inches wide. It does well in pots, looks best when grown in the shade. Grows taller in cool climates. 









56 Sasa tsuboiana
6 / 1.8 0.3 / 0.6 10 / -12 2 25 35 45 55 70

    A Japanese bamboo with large, dark green, attractive leaves. 









57 Sasa veitchii Kuma-Zasa 5 / 1.5 0.3 / 0.6 0 / -18 2 30 40 50 60 70

    The tendency for the dark green leaves to turn white along the margins in winter, seen in all Sasas, is pronounced. This, along with large leaves on short plants gives a unique and striking appearance. 









58 Sasaella masamuneana 'Albostriata' Fuiri-shiiy Azasa 6 / 1.8 0.3 / 0.6 0 / -18 3 20 30 40 50 60

    An attractive variegated bamboo with thick leaves striped in white or cream. Also called S. glabra 'Albostriata'









59 Sasamorpha borealis
6 / 1.8 0.3 / 0.6 -10 / -23 2 60 70 80 90 125

    Native to Hokkaido, Japan, it is hardier than most other Japanese bamboos.









60 Semiarundinaria fastuosa Narihira Bamboo 30 / 9.1 1.5 / 3.8 -5 / -21 5 40 50 60 70 80

    Erect, straight culms make this a stately bamboo. After a time the culms turn from green to purplish brown. Culm internodes with branches at their base are narrowly grooved above the branches.  "Temple"








61 Semiarundinaria fastuosa 'Viridis'
35 / 10.7 1.5 / 3.8 -5 / -21 5 35 45 55 65 75

    Similar to the above except that the culms remain green. 









62 Shibataea kumasaca
7 / 2.1 0.3 / 0.6 -10 / -23 3 35 45 55 65 75

    Short, broad leaves give it a unique appearance. The slender, nearly solid culms bear prominent nodes and short slightly zigzag internodes. Prefers acid soil, shows extensive leaf burn if in alkaline environment. 









63 Semiarundinaria yashadake 'Kimmei'
25 / 7.6 1.5 / 3.8 0 / -18 5 35 45 55 65 75

    The culms are yellow with green grooves; leaves are yellow striped.