Black Bamboo

(Phyllostachys nigra)

Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is a perennial bamboo species native to China. It thrives in subtropical regions, often in forest clearings or on forest edges where it can receive ample sunlight. This species is characterized by its striking appearance, with canes that initially emerge green but turn a glossy black after two to three years, providing a striking contrast to the abundant lance-shaped leaves that are 4–13 cm (2–5 in) long. Black Bamboo can grow up to 25 m (82 ft) tall and 30 cm (1 ft) broad, forming elegant clumps of slender arching canes.

Black Bamboo is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly the unique coloration of its mature canes. It is a popular choice for creating visual interest in gardens and landscapes, and its dense growth habit makes it suitable for privacy screens or as a focal point. It requires full sun to partial shade and prefers a well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types. While it can adapt to medium amounts of water, consistent moisture will support its best growth. Gardeners should be aware that Black Bamboo can be invasive due to its vigorous rhizome system; therefore, containment measures such as rhizome barriers are recommended. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 15-25 feet
  • Width: 0.12-0.2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season:
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, 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, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Subtropical forest clearings or edges, and the importance of containment measures to prevent invasiveness

Other Names

Common Names: Bambú Negro , Bambou Noir , 黑竹;紫竹 , Kuro-Chiku , Ojuk , Zi Zhu , Ha-Chiku , 오죽

Scientific Names: Phyllostachys nigra , Bambusa nigra , Phyllostachys puberula var. nigra , Phyllostachys stolonifera , Bambusa boryana , Bambusa henonis , Bambusa nigra subsp. lutea , Bambusa nigropunctata , Phyllostachys diversifolia , Phyllostachys henionis

GBIF Accepted Name: Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Munro