Bamboo Running Bamboo: Running bamboo are those that spread easily. Running bamboos can be very aggressive, taking over large areas. In addition, once established spreading bamboo can be very difficult to completely remove. Running bamboo should be chosen carefully and for areas where it can be contained.
Hibanobambusa tranquilans ‘Shiroshima’ - An aggressive runner that is best in containers. It can reach 15 ft tall with canes that are 1 in. in diameter. They like part shade but can tolerate full sun with good watering. Nice wide variegated leaves.
Indocalamus tessellatus – A relatively small bamboo with large leaves. It is about 6 feet tall with leaves up to 2 feet long. Canes are generally less then ½ in. in diameter. Prefers part to full shade. More easily contained then most running bamboos.
Phyllostachys atrovaginata – A vigorous grower that tolerates year-round or seasonal wet/boggy soil. Can reach 30 ft tall. Canes are about 2.5 inches and have a sandalwood-like fragrance when rubbed. It likes full sun and it is edible.
Phyllostachys aurea – Golden bamboo is a very popular variety in the Pacific Northwest. Yellowish canes reach about 20 feet tall and 1 inch in diameter. It likes full sun and is edible.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Alata’ – A large bamboo that gets to 25 feet tall. Green 2 in. diameter canes have a zig-zag appearance on lower canes. It likes full sun and is edible.
Phyllostachys bissetii – A very hardy type of bamboo that would be suitable for protected sites in Eastern Oregon. Very dark green variety. It reaches a height of 25 feet with canes that are 1 in. in diameter. It does best in full sun and is edible.
Phyllostachys edulis – Canes up to 3.5 inches in diameter can reach 40 feet tall. It does best in full sun and is edible.
Phyllostachys nigra – Beautiful black canes that are 2 inches in diameter and about 40 feet tall. A striking specimen. It does best in full sun. It is edible.
Phyllostachys vivax ‘Aureocaulis’ – Green canes with yellow groove. It is a timber bamboo that can reach upwards of 50 feet tall, with canes that are 4.5 inches in diameter. It does best in full sun. It is edible.
6600 SW Philomath Blvd., Corvallis, OR www.shonnards.com ~ (541)929-3524 Phyllostachys vivax ‘Huangwenzhu’ – Yellow canes with green groove. A timber bamboo that reaches 50 feet tall with canes that are 4.5 inches in diameter. It does best in full sun and is edible.
Additional Note: Timber Bamboo is extremely aggressive. It should only be planted if there is adequate space as it spreads rapidly.
Clumping Bamboo: Clumping bamboos are a much wiser choice. Though they spread a little with time, like other shrubs, they will not take-over whole areas. As they are not aggressive they are slower to reach their mature size.
Borinda angustissima – A dainty looking bamboo with very tight clumps that reach 18 feet tall with canes that are about 1 in. in diameter. The sheaths of the new canes are a deep red- purple. Tolerates sun to partial shade.
Chusquea culeo – Tight clumps with huge feather plumes of foliage. It reaches about 12 feet on average and unlike most bamboos it’s 1.5 in canes are solid wood. It grows well in sun or shade.
Fargesia dracocephala – Dense, nearly weeping habit. A relatively small bamboo that reaches about 9 feet with canes that are 0.5 in. in diameter. It does best in full sun to partial shade.
Fargesia murieliae – An umbrella bamboo with a weeping habit. Small delicate looking leaves on canes that reach 12 feet tall and 0.5 in. in diameter. It does best in full to partial shade.
Fargesia robusta – Erect growing bamboo that reaches 18 feet tall with canes that are about 1 in. in diameter. Olive green stems and leaves. Grows well in sun or shade.
Fargesia rufa – Smaller bamboo reaching about 8 feet tall with canes that are about 1 in. in diameter. It has dark canes with orange-red sheaths. A prolific grower with a delicate weeping habit.
Thamnocalamus tessellatus – A strong upright bamboo, it reaches about 16 feet with canes that are 1 in. in diameter. The canes are hard and useful building and fashioning tools. It does best in full sun.
6600 SW Philomath Blvd., Corvallis, OR www.shonnards.com ~ (541)929-3524 Yushania maculata – A tall bamboo that reaches up to 20 ft with a graceful habit. It’s green canes are powdered with white. It is more aggressive then most clumping types. Its canes have a diameter of 0.5 in. It does best in partial to full shade.
Fig I: Bamboo General Reference Chart
Height* Width Cane Color Light Edible Aggressive Notes: H. tranquilans ‘Shiroshima’ 15 ft Running 1 in Green Pt. Shade - Yes Aggressive Runner. Sun Indocalamus tessellatus 6 ft Running 0.5 in Green Pt.- Full Shade Yes Large Leaves. Easier to Contain. Phyllostachys atrovaginata 30 ft Running 2.5 in Green Full Sun Yes Yes Tolerates wet soils. Fragrant Canes. Phyllostachys aurea 20 ft Running 1 in Golden Full Sun Yes Yes Popular Variety, Yellow Canes Phy. aureosulcata ‘Alata’ 25 ft Running 2 in Green Full Sun Yes Yes Zig-zag Lower Canes. Phyllostachys bissetii 25 ft Running 1 in Drk Green Full Sun Yes Yes Dark Green, Very Hardy Variety. Phyllostachys edulis 40 ft Running 3.5 in Green Full Sun Yes Yes Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys nigra 40 ft Running 2 in Black Full Sun Yes Yes Beautiful Black Canes. Phy. vivax ‘Aureocaulis’ 50 ft Running 4.5 in Grn w/Yellow Full Sun Yes Yes Interesting Color, Timber Bamboo. Phy. vivax ‘Huangwenzhu’ 50 ft Running 4.5 in Yellow w/Grn Full Sun Yes Yes Interesting Color, Timber Bamboo.
Borinda angustissima 18 ft Clumping 1 in Green Sun - Pt. Fine Textured, Dainty Foliage. Shade Chusquea culeo 12 ft Clumping 1.5 in Green Sun-Shade Yes Solid canes. Interesting Foliage. Fargesia dracocephala 9 ft Clumping 0.5 in Green Sun - Pt. Almost Weeping Habit. Shade Fargesia murieliae 12 ft Clumping 0.5 in Green Full - Pt. Shade Weeping Habit. Fargesia robusta 18 ft Clumping 1 in Olive Green Sun - Shade Nice Color. Fargesia rufa 8 ft Clumping 1 in Green Sun - Shade Nice Color & Weeping Habit. Thamnocalamus tessellatus 16 ft Clumping 1 in Green Full Sun Strong, Great for Building. Yushiania maculata 20 ft Clumping 0.5 in Green Full - Pt. Shade Yes Graceful Look. Aggressive Clumper.
* Heights listed are an average.
6600 SW Philomath Blvd., Corvallis, OR www.shonnards.com ~ (541)929-3524