Overview
Phyllostachys nigra is black bamboo, a running bamboo growing 180–360 inches (450–900 cm / 15–30 feet) tall with culms (stems) 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter. New culms emerge green in spring and turn progressively black over 1–2 years — the jet-black mature culms are the species identifier (the species name 'nigra' means 'black'). Medium green narrow lance-shaped evergreen leaves 2–5 inches (5–13 cm). In the grass family (Poaceae). Running bamboo: spreads aggressively by underground monopodial rhizomes that can travel 15+ feet (4.5+ m) per year in favorable conditions — rhizome barrier (minimum 60 mil / 1.5 mm HDPE, buried 30 inches / 75 cm deep) or container culture is non-negotiable for containment. New culms emerge as shoots in spring and reach full height in 6–8 weeks — bamboo does not add height after this initial growth period. Bamboo flowering is unpredictable: gregarious flowering events (all plants of a clone flower simultaneously) may occur at 60–120 year intervals — after flowering, the plant typically dies. Full sun develops the blackest culm color; shade produces culms that remain green or dark brown. Native to Hunan and Zhejiang provinces, China. Non-toxic — young shoots are edible (cooked). Deer-resistant. Consistent moisture. Zones 7–10. Growth rate is very fast (once established).
Native Range
Native to Hunan and Zhejiang provinces, China.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers or with rhizome barrier in zones 7–10. The black culms are the species feature. Rhizome containment is non-negotiable. Full sun for blackest color. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Rarely flowers — bamboo flowering is unpredictable and may be gregarious (all plants of a clone flower simultaneously at 60–120 year intervals). After flowering, the plant typically dies. The black culms and the evergreen foliage — not flowers — are the year-round features.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rarely flowers (bamboo flowering is unpredictable — may occur at 60-120 year intervals)Foliage Description
Medium green, narrow lance-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun for blackest culm color (shade produces green/brown culms). Consistent moisture. Rhizome barrier (60 mil HDPE, 30 inches deep) or container culture is non-negotiable — running rhizomes travel 15+ feet (4.5+ m) per year. Non-toxic (shoots edible cooked). Deer-resistant. Zones 7–10.Pruning
Remove dead or damaged culms at the base. Thin congested groves by removing older culms (leaving younger ones). Cut unwanted new shoots at ground level in spring when they emerge. Maintain the rhizome barrier annually — check for rhizomes that have jumped over the top.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: 15 gallons