Phyllostachys nuda

What to Eat

Edible parts: Shoots, Vegetable

The young shoots have a delicious flavour and are of excellent quality. They are only slightly acrid when raw, and a brief boiling makes them suitable for use in salads. Shoots measure 2–4cm in diameter and are harvested in spring when they reach about 8cm above the ground, cut approximately 5cm below soil level.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. It is a hardy bamboo. It grows in hardiness zones down to zone 5.

Asia, China*, North America, Taiwan, USA,

How to Identify

A running bamboo. It grows 12 m high. The stems are 4 cm wide. The internodes are 30 cm long. There are 2-4 leaves on the last branch. The leaf blade is 8-16 cm long.

How to Grow

Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position and plenty of moisture in the growing season. Dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts, but plants have tolerated temperatures down to -22°c and are among the hardiest members of this genus. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die. This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants are shallow rooted and do not compete with deep rooted trees. An evergreen.

Propagation: Surface sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at around 20°C, keeping the compost consistently moist. Germination usually occurs fairly quickly with good-quality seed, though it can take 3–6 months. Grow seedlings on in a lightly shaded greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Divide in spring as new growth begins; divisions from open ground transplant poorly and will need careful treatment under cover in pots until at least late spring. Divide during wet weather, as small divisions establish better than large clumps. Alternatively, large divisions can be taken from established clumps and moved directly to their permanent positions, provided they are misted or drenched frequently until established. Basal cane cuttings can also be taken in spring.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Other Uses

The canes have thick walls and, while not of the highest quality, are serviceable for a wide range of purposes including plant supports, general farm use, umbrella shafts, and desk and chair legs. The hard culms are commonly used as handles for farm implements.

Phyllostachys nuda (also known as Nude sheath bamboo or Snow bamboo) is a species of bamboo found in Anhui, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Zhejiang provinces of China and in Taiwan. It can survive temperatures down to −10 °F (−23 °C) and requires full sun to thrive.

Other Information

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. The shoots are enjoyed.

Notes

There are about 80 Phyllostachys species.

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