Grasses & Grass-like
Phyllostachys nigra
black bamboo
PoaceaeHunan and Zhejiang provinces, China
At a Glance
TypeGrass
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height15-30 feet (4.5-9 m)
WidthSpreading by running rhizomes; requires containment
Maturity5 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 10Zone 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 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. In the Pacific Northwest, typical height is 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). Growth rate is fast once established, with new culms reaching full height in a single growing season. Spreads by leptomorph (running) rhizomes, though less aggressively than many other Phyllostachys species; containment is still essential. The defining ornamental feature is the culm color: new culms emerge green and gradually develop dark brown to jet-black coloration over 1-3 years as they are exposed to sunlight. Mature culms are polished ebony-black, creating a dramatic contrast with the bright green foliage. The blackening process is influenced by sun exposure — culms in shaded positions remain green longer or develop a mottled green-and-black pattern. Internodes are evenly spaced (not compressed as in P. aurea). Leaves are lance-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long and 0.3-0.6 inches (8-15 mm) wide, bright green, arranged in fan-like clusters on slender branches. Foliage is evergreen. Culm sheaths are initially green with dark spots, becoming tan. Flowering is extremely rare, occurring at unpredictable intervals of decades. One of the most ornamental bamboos available, prized worldwide for the striking black culm color. Hardy to approximately 0-5°F (-18 to -15°C); foliage may be damaged at 0°F but culms typically survive.
Native Range
Native to the Hunan and Zhejiang provinces of China. Cultivated in China and Japan for centuries as an ornamental and craft material. Widely planted in temperate gardens worldwide. Less invasive than many running bamboos but still requires containment outside its native range.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted as a specimen or accent where the black culms can be displayed against a light-colored wall, fence, or building to maximize visual impact. Suitable for screening at 3-5 foot (0.9-1.5 m) spacing in contained beds. The black culms create dramatic contrast when uplighted at night. Suitable for large containers of at least 25 gallons (95 L), which naturally contain rhizome spread and can be positioned for maximum visual effect. Frequently used in contemporary, Asian-inspired, and courtyard garden designs. Culms are valued for craft and furniture use.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
bright green
Bloom Information
Flowering is extremely rare and unpredictable, occurring at intervals of decades across the species globally. When flowering occurs, grass-like panicles appear at branch tips, typically followed by decline of flowering culms. The plant is grown entirely for its culms and foliage.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 for the best and fastest development of black culm color; culms in shaded positions remain green longer. Adapts to a range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5 in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment and summer dry periods. CONTAINMENT IS ESSENTIAL: install HDPE root barrier at least 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) deep before planting, with the top edge 2 inches (5 cm) above grade. Alternatively, plant in concrete-enclosed beds or large containers. While less aggressively spreading than P. aurea, uncontained plantings will still invade adjacent areas. Monitor the perimeter for escaping rhizomes in spring and fall. No serious pest or disease problems.Pruning
Remove dead, damaged, or thin culms at ground level at any time. Thin congested groves by removing older culms (3+ years) at ground level in late winter to display the remaining black culms more effectively. Remove lower branches from select culms to expose the striking black stems as a design feature. Allow new culms to reach full height in their first season before any branch removal. Cut escaping rhizome runners with a sharp spade at least twice per year. In contained plantings, remove excess new culms in spring if the grove becomes too dense.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