Chusquea culeou, commonly known as Chilean Bamboo, is an evergreen perennial grass native to the temperate rainforests and the understory of southern South America, particularly in Chile and Argentina. It can reach heights of up to 8 meters (26 feet) and spread 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) wide, forming dense clumps of bamboo-like foliage. The plant features hairy lanceolate leaves with a sharp spine at their tip, and its inflorescence is a panicle of light brown flowers. Chusquea culeou is monocarpic, meaning it flowers once in its lifetime, sets seed, and then dies. The culms, or stems, of this species are solid, which is an unusual trait among bamboos.

Chilean Bamboo is valued for its architectural form and the textural quality it adds to landscapes. It is frost-tolerant and adaptable to a range of temperate climates, making it a popular choice for creating screens, hedges, or as a focal point in gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requires medium amounts of water, and is not particular about soil type, though it prefers well-drained soils. While it is not known for aggressive spreading like some bamboo species, it can form large clumps over time. Gardeners should be aware of its potential size and provide ample space for growth.CC BY-SA 4.0