Phyllostachys aurea Carrière ex Rivière & C. Rivière

Golden Bamboo; Fishpole Bamboo

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Golden Bamboo is an introduced perennial member of the Grass family (Poaceae). It is native to China but has been introduced widely around the world. In Alabama it occurs primarily in the lower two-thirds of the state. Golden Bamboo occurs on vacant lots, along railroads, in ravines, on road banks, and near streams. It is the most common of several non-native species of bamboo that occur in Alabama. Golden Bamboo grows from twelve to over thirty feet in height. The stems (culms) may be up to three inches in diameter. There is a flat groove along one side of the culm and two branches per node. The stem in bright sunlight turns a golden yellow color. However, in shade it may remain green. The leaves are lanceolate in outline, entire, and evergreen. There are sometimes compressed internodes on some culms, usually near the base, that give a 'tortoise shell' effect. Bamboo stems are strong and light weight and are used for fishing poles, bean poles in the garden, screening, furniture, and crafts. Golden Bamboo produces long underground rhizomes and can spread aggressively. Golden Bamboo in on the Alabama Invasive Plant Council's List of Invasive Plants.-A. Diamond

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Not Native

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