Photo by Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org GOLDEN AUREA

Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) is a very tall, fast- growing, perennial reed that belongs to the grass family, . It was first introduced into the United States from southeastern China before 1870 for erosion control and soil stabilization. Later, golden bamboo made its ornamental debut as a landscaping plant, particularly favored for its rapid growth, remarkable height and suitability as a screening and barrier plant to sound and light. Since its introduction, this species has escaped cultivation and commonly grows in very dense monocultures where it establishes. Golden bamboo is a significant threat to many parts of the U.S., including the southern and southeastern states as well as the East Coast.

Young plant stems are green and turn yellowish-brown as Identification they mature. (Photo by James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Golden bamboo grow within a range of 16 to 40 Bugwood.org) feet tall. Plant stems, also called canes, have a hollow center, solid joints, stand upright and robust, and develop an average diameter of 1 to 6 inches. Young plant stems appear green at first and mature to a yellowish-brown color; however, canes usually remain green on very wet sites. Two branches typically emerge from each node. Lower stems exhibit more crowding with closer branching protruding at oblique angles, while upper stems develop wider-spaced branching. Smooth leaf sheaths occur along stems and are sometimes brown-spotted. Leaves are lanceolate-shaped and arranged alternately along the stem, measuring 3 to 10 inches long by ¼ to ¾ inches wide. Flowers form on spikelets, however, flowering is very infrequent, occurring only once every 10 years, on average. Golden bamboo may flower more often than other , but little seed is produced.

How it spreads Golden bamboo is an extremely aggressive spreader, especially in warmer, sunnier climates. Outside of planned Golden bamboo has lanceolate-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. (Photo by James H. Miller, USDA growth in gardening landscapes, golden bamboo is often Forest Service, Bugwood.org) Photo by Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org GOLDEN BAMBOO PHYLLOSTACHYS AUREA seen growing in dense monocultures in forest openings form new roots and shoots. These rhizomes, also known and areas surrounding residential houses where it was as runners, help facilitate quick spread and dominance once planted and intended to grow. It readily escapes over a site. Once established, golden bamboo can be cultivation and vigorously colonizes an area by rapidly very difficult to eradicate due to its rapid reproduction forming large, dense stands that become impenetrable and prolific regeneration following disturbance. to native plants. Stands have been estimated to reach up to 10 acres in size and can persist in an area for long Management periods of time. Golden bamboo can tolerate full sun as The most effective management of golden bamboo is well as shaded areas. Although this species prefers well- prevention. Do not plant golden bamboo. Instead, select drained soil, it can tolerate a variety of soil types and native alternatives such as inkberry or gallberry (Ilex moisture levels, from withstanding excessively wet sites glabra), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), witch hazel to very dry conditions. In addition, golden bamboo can (Hamamelis virginiana) or Carolina allspice (Calycanthus also establish successfully on steep slopes. Reproduction floridus), among several others. is done through the formation of rhizomes, which are modified stems that extend away from parent plants to For small infestations, golden bamboo can be manually removed by hand-pulling or cutting at ground level; however, this often requires repeated treatment to address resprouting throughout the year. In areas with larger infestations, herbicides can be applied. Foliar application of low concentration of glyphosate combined with a surfactant has been shown to be an effective chemical control, especially if leaves and cut stems are thoroughly moistened and application is done at recommended temperature.

Contact information If you would like more information on golden bamboo, contact David Jenkins at the SC Forestry Commission at [email protected] or contact the Clemson Invasive Species Program at https://www.clemson.edu/public/ regulatory/plant-protection/invasive/.

For information on how you can combat invasive plants in your community visit the South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant website at https://www.se-eppc.org/ southcarolina/ or send an email to southcarolinaeppc@ Golden bamboo can rapidly form large, dense stands. (Photo by Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org) gmail.com.