Phyllostachys aureosulcata
Yellow Groove Bamboo
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
An aggressive spreader w/ dense, upright growth. Average mature culm height is 15-30' tall, (or 12-18' in Zones 5-6), w/ a spread of 10-25', and a mature culm diameter to 1.5-2". Is aggressive in southern states with warm winters, spreading by rhizomes. Vigorous growth in warm climates.
Native Range
Phyllostachys species are native to China, Burma and India. Yellow groove bamboo is from northeastern China.
Flower and Fruit Details
Usually does not flower. Most Phyllostachys only flower once every 50 years.
Leaf and Bark Features
Evergreen: Narrow, lance-shaped, light or dark green leaves are paper thin, 4-7" long, & hairy at the base. Bamboos generally maintain much of their "evergreen" character over the winter, but they do lose some old leaves. These fallen leaves can be left under the plants as a mulch, since they are high in silica, which is needed for good growth the following year. Bamboos don't have bark or trunks, they have culms, which are hollow, jointed stems, sometimes called canes, that grow very fast. Yellow-groove bamboo canes are 1.5" diameter, flattened on one side, olive green, w/ yellow, vertical grooves.
Culture and Care
Adaptable/easy to grow, but for ideal growth, plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, & protect from the wind. Full sun to light shade. Hardy to -15°F. Zone 6-10. In Zone 5, tops will be killed to the ground, but regrowth occurs the following spring. Tolerates drought, air pollution, and juglone from nearby walnut trees. An organic mulch is beneficial. No serious insect or disease problems. Occasional leaf spots and rust may occur.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
One of the hardiest bamboos. Young shoots are edible. Deer resistant. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. Species is distinguished by the sharp bending and zigzagging of lower part of some of the culms, which also gives it an ornamental appeal. "Aureo" means golden-yellow, and "sulcata" refers to the vertical culm groove, or "sulcus".
Suggested Uses
Used as a windbreak, or a buffer for noise reduction, as a screen or hedge plant, if contained w/ rhizome barriers, or in containers. Suitable for planting along a sidewalk or driveway, or for naturalizing or for a rain garden.
Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA
The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis // Golden Crookstem Bamboo
Grass. A few of the culms grow in a crooked, zigzag pattern. 18-25' tall, 15-30' wide, w/ 1-2" diameter culms. Hardy to -10 degrees F. Zone 6-10. Culms are a beautiful lemon yellow color at sheath fall (when new shoots reach their maximum height for the year). In full sun, culms may also show a red blush of magenta color for a short time in the spring. This is the hardiest bamboo that has golden yellow culms. Upright, narrow stature is suitable for tall screens. Dense, evergreen foliage is produced all along the culms, from the top to w/in 2' of the ground. Prefers full sun for best yellow culm color, but is shade tolerant. Good for hedges, containers, or specimen plant.
Bed 223Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis // Green Groove Bamboo
Grass. 20-30' tall, 15-35' wide, w/ 1-2" diameter culms. Grows 3-5' per year. Hardy to -10 degrees F. Zone 6-10. Culms bright yellow w/ green sulcus (vertical groove). Some stems zigzag near base. This is the hardiest bamboo w/ yellow & green striped colors. Very showy. Somewhat rare. Makes a good hedge, privacy screen or windbreak due to its vigorous, upright growth habit. Also good in containers. Culm sheaths and new growth are purplish. In full sun, culms show reddish highlights in spring & early summer. Does well on windy sites. This is a "running" bamboo.
Bed 224