Golden Bamboo

(Phyllostachys aurea)

Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Rafa

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Rafa

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Phyllostachys aurea, commonly known as Golden Bamboo, is an evergreen perennial grass native to open woodlands and forest edges in Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall and 4 meters (13 feet) wide, featuring dense clumps of canes that turn yellow to gold-orange as they mature. The lower canes exhibit a ’tortoise shell’ pattern due to compressed internodes, which is particularly valued by collectors. Golden Bamboo is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens for its striking appearance and as a privacy screen due to its lush foliage. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, though it is adaptable to various soil types. While it requires low amounts of water once established, it can be invasive in warm, moist conditions, especially in regions like the United States and Australia, where it is known to displace native species. It is prohibited in New York and considered invasive in Florida. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting, as it can be difficult to control and remove once established.

Golden Bamboo is appreciated for its ease of maintenance, rapid growth, and the visual interest of its canes. It is commonly used for creating dense screens or hedges in urban and residential settings. However, due to its invasive nature, it should be planted with caution and possibly contained with barriers to prevent spreading. Cultivation should involve monitoring for aggressive growth and managing its spread to protect local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 10-20 feet
Width: 12-25 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and forest edges in Southeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Fish Pole Bamboo, Monk’s Belly Bamboo, Fairyland Bamboo, Bambú Amarillo, Bambu-Japonês, 布袋竹;鼓槌竹;薑竹;虎山竹;臺灣人面竹;人面竹, Hotei-Chiku

Scientific Names: , Phyllostachys aurea, Phyllostachys bambusoides subsp. aurea, Bambusa aurea, Phyllostachys reticulata var. aurea, Phyllostachys bambusoides var. aurea, Phyllostachys aurea f. flavescensinversa, Phyllostachys bambusoides f. albovariegata, Phyllostachys formosana, Phyllostachys aurea f. albovariegata

GBIF Accepted Name: Phyllostachys aurea (André) Rivière & C.Rivière