Phyllostachys heteroclada, commonly known as Water Bamboo or Fishscale Bamboo, is a running bamboo species that is deciduous in nature. It is native to lowland and floodplain forests, as well as along riverbanks in China, where it plays a role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for wildlife. This bamboo can reach up to 35 feet in height with a diameter of 2 inches. It is characterized by its straight, green culms that may feature occasional kinks, and the culms’ sheaths have a distinctive fishscale-like pattern. The species is cold hardy to around -5°F and thrives in USDA zones 6b-10.

Water Bamboo is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in wet conditions due to air canals in its rhizomes and roots, which allow it to grow in more saturated soils. It is often used for erosion control, as a privacy screen, or as an ornamental feature in large gardens and parks. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, consistent moisture, and prefers loamy soils with good drainage. However, due to its running habit, it can become invasive and should be planted with root barriers or in contained areas.CC BY-SA 4.0