Phyllostachys aurea aka Golden Bamboo

Phyllostachys aurea is an evergreen bamboo in the grass family. Its common names include golden bamboo and fishpole bamboo. It comes from southeast China, including Fujian and Zhejiang, to Vietnam. It grows in woods and forests in its native range. People grow it for food, useful canes, and garden screens.

This fast-growing plant forms upright stands that spread by rhizomes. Garden plants often reach 10–20 feet [3–6.1 metres] tall. RHS lists a mature height of 26 feet [8 metres]. NC State reports plants reaching 30 feet [9.1 metres]. Spread estimates differ between sources. RHS gives 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. NC State gives 12–25 feet [3.7–7.6 metres]. Plants may take five to ten years to mature. The hollow green canes turn yellow with age and sun. White rings mark the nodes along each cane. Some canes have short, swollen sections near their base. One side of each stem is flat. The narrow leaves grow in an alternate pattern, often in fans. They have smooth edges and hairs near their bases. Their colour ranges from green to yellow-green.

Flowers appear rarely and resemble those of other grasses. Wind carries the pollen. Fruit is also rare; its botanical type is a caryopsis. This bamboo grows in full sun or part shade. It prefers rich soil that stays moist but drains well. It accepts sand, loam, or clay and a broad pH range. Shelter helps protect leaves from cold, drying winds. RHS rates it H5 for UK gardens. NC State lists USDA zones 4–10. Useful Tropical Plants reports leaf and cane damage below about −15°C.

Garden uses include hedges, screens, and container planting. The canes supply plant stakes, fishing poles, furniture, and flooring. Their fibres also provide material for paper. Spread is the main concern in gardens and nearby land. Rhizomes can escape paved areas and crowd out native plants. NC State lists the species as invasive in North Carolina. Warm, moist sites can encourage it to spread farther. Spring thinning removes weak or damaged stems and reveals the canes. Slugs may harm new shoots, but disease problems are few.

Young shoots are edible, and people eat them raw or cooked. Seeds are also edible, though plants seldom produce them. They can serve as grain or be ground into flour. PFAF lists no known medicinal use or hazards. ASPCA lists this species as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.