Pleioblastus simonii, commonly known as Simon Bamboo, is a perennial grass native to forest margins, grassy slopes, and open woodlands in East Asia, Japan. This bamboo species is characterized by its rapid growth rate, reaching heights of 10-35 feet (3-11 meters) and a width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters). It forms dense clumps with erect, green culms that become yellowish with age. The leaves are lanceolate and can add a lush, tropical feel to the garden. Simon Bamboo flowers infrequently, and flowering events can lead to the death of the plant, a phenomenon common to many bamboos.

Simon Bamboo is valued for its fast growth and ability to form natural screens or hedges quickly. It is also used for erosion control due to its dense root system. However, its vigorous growth can be a double-edged sword, as it may become invasive outside its native range. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and prefers medium to fast-draining soils such as clay, loam, or sandy compositions. It thrives with high or medium water availability but can tolerate some drought once established. To prevent unwanted spread, rhizome barriers are recommended when planting in gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0