Pleioblastus simonii

(Carriere) Nakai

Simon bamboo

PoaceaeShoots

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What to Eat

Edible parts: Shoots

The young shoots are cooked; they have a very bitter flavor that is considerably reduced by changing the cooking water at least once, though this also removes some nutrients. The new shoots are about 20mm in diameter. The seed is also edible when cooked, but the papery husk must be removed before eating, as with other grass seeds.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Asia, Britain, China, Europe, Japan,

Countries: Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, Belarus, Switzerland, China, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Georgia, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Malta, Maldives, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, San Marino, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A bamboo. It grows 6 m tall. It has several leafy branches at each node. The leaves are 30 cm long. The shoots are 2 cm across.

How to Grow

Propagation: Surface sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at around 20°C; stored seed should be sown immediately upon receipt. Keep the compost consistently moist. Germination is usually fairly quick given good seed quality, though it may take 3–6 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough and grow on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until ready to plant out, which may take several years. Seed is rarely available as the plants flower only at intervals of many years. Division in spring is very easy — single canes can be used. Pot them up in light shade in a greenhouse, ensuring the foliage does not dry out; misting 2–3 times a day for the first couple of weeks after division is helpful. Plant out in summer once the divisions are growing strongly.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Other Uses

The canes are thin-walled but extremely strong, suitable for use as plant supports, fencing, fan handles, and poles, and are commonly used in Chinese handicrafts. The plant is tolerant of maritime exposure and is vigorous enough to serve as a screen or hedge.

Wikipedia

A fast-growing evergreen bamboo reaching 4.5 meters tall, hardy to UK zone 6. Year-round foliage covers this wind-pollinated hermaphrodite species. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. The plant grows in semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.