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Phyllostachys

Common name: Timber bamboo · Running bamboo · Moso bamboo (P. edulis)

Phyllostachys is a genus of temperate running bamboos in the grass family, containing roughly 50 species native mostly to China. Members spread aggressively by leptomorph (monopodial) rhizomes and produce tall, woody, hollow culms with a distinctive flattened groove on alternating sides of each internode. Heights range from a few metres in small species to over 20 m in giant timber types such as moso (P. edulis). They are grown for fast privacy screens, ornamental groves, edible shoots, and timber, but in gardens they need a rhizome barrier or root pruning to stay in bounds.

Fun facts

  • The flattened groove on the culm internodes gives the genus its name, from Greek phyllon (leaf) and stachys (spike), referring to its inflorescences.
  • Moso (Phyllostachys edulis) is the world's most economically important bamboo, farmed across millions of hectares in China for timber and edible shoots.
  • New culms of some species can grow more than 30 cm (1 ft) per day during the spring shooting season, reaching full height in a single season.
  • A bamboo culm never thickens with age; it emerges from the ground at its full diameter and only hardens over subsequent years.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to partial shade; best growth in full sun
Water Keep evenly moist; water deeply during establishment and dry spells
Soil Rich, moist, well-drained loam; tolerates clay once established
Hardiness Zones 5–10 (varies by species)
Mature height 2–25 m (7–80 ft), depending on species and climate
Pet safe Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Propagation By rhizome or culm division in early spring; rarely from seed

Common problems

    • Install deep root barrier at planting
    • Mow or cut unwanted new shoots
    • Grow in large sturdy containers
    • Plant in sheltered spot
    • Water well before hard freezes
    • Accept damaged leaves; new ones emerge
    • Improve drainage before planting
    • Avoid heavy compacted clay sites
    • Hose down foliage to dislodge mites
    • Mist leaves in hot, dry spells
    • Water deeply to reduce plant stress
    • Apply insecticidal soap to infested leaves