Nandina domestica Thunb.

Heavenly Bamboo; Sacred Bamboo

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Heavenly Bamboo is an introduced invasive shrub in the Barberry family (Berberidaceae). It is an evergreen in much of Alabama, and semi-evergreen or deciduous in colder climates. A native of China and Japan, it was introduced into the United States in 1804 for use as an ornamental. Heavenly Bamboo grows from six to eight feet in height. It often forms clumps either from its rhizomes or from many seedlings becoming established at once. Heavenly Bamboo has alternate tri-pinnately compound leaves. The bases of the leaf stalks wrap around the stem. Like many members of the Barberry family it has bright yellow inner bark. Panicles of small white flowers are produced in the spring. They are followed by bright red fruit that persists on the plant throughout the winter. Heavenly Bamboo thrives under almost any conditions. The fruit are consumed by birds which spread it through their droppings. Heavenly Bamboo is considered a highly invasive species in many Southeastern states. All parts of the plant are toxic. The fruit are particularly toxic to cats, dogs, and livestock. For many years Heavenly Bamboo was considered a good food source for wintering birds. However in 2009 dozens of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were found dead in Thomas County, Georgia. Examination of the birds revealed they died of cyanide toxicity after consuming Heavenly Bamboo fruit. If you wish to use Heavenly Bamboo in your landscape, consider one of the cultivars that does not produce fruit such as "Gulf Stream", "Nana", "Nana Purpurea" or "Atropurpurea Nana." Better yet, consider utilizing a native species instead! --A. Diamond

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Not Native

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