Phyllostachys angusta – Stone Bamboo

General Information: A medium height cold-hardy running Bamboo. The culms (canes) are quite straight and upright and can reach about half their full height in New England. A good choice for hedges, we typically see Stone Bamboo reach 12-15 feet in height. This plant produces very hard, strong wood which is used in China to make fine furniture. The shoots are notably free of acrid flavor, even when raw. One of the best species for edible shoot production as well as timber. The common name “Stone Bamboo” references the plant’s extremely tough wood. The Latin species name “angusta” means “narrow” and refers to the culms and shoots as they compare to other members of the Phyllostachys genus. The large, upright culms and leaves have more of a yellow-green appearance than most of our other Phyllostachys species.

Cultivation Details: Running Bamboo such as this species can be aggressive and form large colonies. Consider installing a rhizome barrier, berm, trench, or adopting a strict mowing plan to limit the spread of this species. This variety follows the typical 4-year cycle for Bamboo planting: “In year one, they sleep. In year two, they creep. In year three, they leap. In year four, you can reap.” Our groves of this species reach into a wooded area and extend from their clearing into a separate small grove of trees, where they are rather difficult to remove. The rhizome, true to the plant’s name, is also quite fibrous and tough to cut.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Succeeds in all moist, well-drained soils.

Note: For quantity or wholesale pricing, if you need to schedule a delivery, or if you wish to pick up plants at the farm, e-mail us at: Info@tripplebrookfarm.com. Whenever possible, it is preferable to pick up plants here at the farm so we can dig huskier root balls.