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Pseudosasa spp.
arrow bamboo
Overview
Pseudosasa spp. is a genus of about 36 species of running bamboos in the grass family (Poaceae), native to eastern Asia, with P. japonica, arrow bamboo, the species seen most often in gardens. Canes (culms) are upright and hollow, typically 6-18 feet (1.8-5.5 m) tall and 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) thick, forming dense thickets as the rhizomes spread. Each node bears one to several branches carrying glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves 5-12 inches (13-30 cm) long, among the larger leaves of hardy bamboos. The persistent papery leaf sheaths remain on the canes, a feature that helps distinguish the genus. Pseudosasa spp. spreads by leptomorph (running) rhizomes and can travel several feet a year, so without a root barrier it forms wide colonies and may spread beyond its intended space. The genus is evergreen, hardy to about USDA zone 6 or 7, and keeps its foliage through mild winters, though leaves may scorch in cold, dry wind. Like most bamboos it flowers only at long, irregular intervals.
Native Range
Pseudosasa spp. is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in woodland, thickets, and along streams and forest margins. P. japonica occurs in Japan and on the Korean Peninsula.Suggested Uses
Grown as an evergreen screen, hedge, or windbreak, and in large containers where the running habit is contained. The bold foliage suits oriental-style and architectural plantings. It is also used for erosion control on slopes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 18'
Width/Spread6' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Like most bamboos, Pseudosasa spp. flowers only at long, irregular intervals of many years. The flowers are small and grass-like, borne in spikelets. Heavy flowering can weaken or kill a colony, which may then regenerate from seed or rhizome.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to tanFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Grow Pseudosasa spp. in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil; it tolerates a wide pH range and heavier soils than many bamboos. Water regularly during establishment and in dry spells, as drought causes leaf curling and browning. Because the running rhizomes spread aggressively, installing a deep root barrier or planting in a sunken container limits the colony. An annual mulch and a spring feed with a high-nitrogen fertilizer support dense, leafy growth. Thinning older canes each year improves air flow within the clump. The genus tolerates coastal exposure and urban conditions.Pruning
Thin Pseudosasa spp. by cutting out the oldest and weakest canes at ground level in spring. Unwanted rhizomes and shoots are severed or dug out at the colony edge each year to control spread. Canes can be cut to any height, and shortened canes produce a bushier leaf screen.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons