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Grasses & Grass-like
Phyllostachys aurea
golden bamboo
Poaceae
Southeastern China, primarily Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces
At a Glance
TypeGrass
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height15-30 feet (4.5-9 m)
WidthSpreading indefinitely by running rhizomes without containment
Maturity5 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 10Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh
Overview
A running bamboo reaching 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) tall in favorable conditions, with culms (canes) 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. In the Pacific Northwest, typical height is 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m). Growth rate is fast once established, with new culms reaching full height in a single growing season (spring through early summer). Spreads aggressively by leptomorph (running) rhizomes that can extend 10-20 feet (3-6 m) or more from the parent clump per year in warm, moist conditions. Culms emerge green, maturing to golden-yellow to yellow-green with age and sun exposure (the feature giving the species its common name). Lower internodes on many culms are distinctively compressed, shortened, and sometimes swollen or zigzag-shaped, creating a knotty or tortoiseshell-like appearance — a diagnostic feature. Leaves are lance-shaped, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long and 0.5-0.75 inches (13-19 mm) wide, bright green, arranged alternately in fan-like clusters along the branches. Foliage is evergreen, though individual leaves are replaced on a rolling basis. Culm sheaths are tan to straw-colored, deciduous. Flowering is extremely rare — occurring at intervals of 30-100+ years; when bamboo does flower, it typically dies or is severely weakened. Listed as invasive in several regions of the United States due to the aggressive running rhizome system. Containment is essential in garden settings. Hardy to approximately 0-5°F (-18 to -15°C); foliage may suffer damage at 0°F but culms typically survive.
Native Range
Native to southeastern China, primarily in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces. Widely cultivated throughout eastern and southeastern Asia for millennia. Naturalized and considered invasive in many warm-temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted for screening, privacy hedging, and as an architectural specimen where the golden culms and dense evergreen foliage provide year-round interest. Plant in contained beds, concrete planters, or with HDPE root barriers at 3-5 foot (0.9-1.5 m) spacing for screening. Suitable for large containers of at least 25 gallons (95 L), which naturally contain the rhizome spread. The compressed internode feature on lower culms provides unique ornamental interest for close-range viewing. Culms have traditional uses for fishing poles, plant stakes, and crafts. Tolerates urban pollution and coastal conditions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
bright green
Bloom Information
Flowering is extremely rare and unpredictable, occurring at intervals of 30-100+ years across the entire species globally (gregarious flowering). When flowering occurs, the grass-like flowers are produced in panicles at branch tips. Flowering events are typically followed by partial or complete dieback of the flowering culms. The plant is grown entirely for its culms and foliage, not its flowers.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Not applicable (extremely rare flowering)Foliage Description
Bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
3-5 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil for fastest growth. Adapts to a range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons and during summer dry periods for the most vigorous growth. CONTAINMENT IS ESSENTIAL: install a root barrier of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at least 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) deep around the planting area, with the top edge protruding 2 inches (5 cm) above grade, before planting. Alternatively, plant in a concrete-enclosed bed or a large container. Without containment, rhizomes will spread aggressively into adjacent garden areas, lawns, and neighboring properties. Monitor the perimeter twice annually (spring and fall) for escaping rhizomes and sever any that breach the barrier. Remove unwanted culms by cutting at ground level.Pruning
Remove dead, damaged, or undersized culms at ground level at any time. Thin congested groves by removing the oldest culms (typically those 3+ years old with declining foliage) at ground level in late winter, retaining younger, more vigorous culms. Remove lower branches from selected culms to expose the attractive golden stems. New culms should not be cut or topped during their first season of growth; allow them to reach full height before any branch removal. Cut rhizome runners that escape the containment barrier with a sharp spade at least twice per year.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 25 gallons