Phyllostachys parvifolia

Phyllostachys parvifolia is an evergreen bamboo. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. It comes from Anhui province in China, within temperate Asia. Plants For A Future places its range in southeastern Anhui. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Its reported height reaches about 20 feet [6 metres]. This gives gardeners a guide to how tall it grows. The source does not state its spread.

Grow this bamboo in rich, damp soil with shelter. Give it plenty of water through the growing season. It accepts sandy soil, loam and clay. Its soil pH can range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It grows in full sun or partial shade. Suggested sites include woodland gardens, dappled shade and shaded edges. Avoid sites that face hard frosts for long spells. The evidence gives no numbered hardiness zone. It gives no minimum temperature either.

The plant flowers only after gaps of many years. Each flower has both male and female organs. Wind carries the pollen. Making seeds uses much of the plant's stored energy. Plants can grow much weaker at this stage. Some die, while others recover when left alone. This may take years. Plants For A Future warns against artificial NPK feed during this time. It reports that this can raise the risk of death. This species resists honey fungus.

Young shoots are edible when cooked. Pick them in spring, at about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] above ground. Cut about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] below the soil surface. The cited method boils shoots, changing the water at least once. Plants For A Future also lists stems as edible parts. It reports no known hazards. This does not amount to a full safety assessment. It lists no known medicinal uses.

The canes have uses beyond the kitchen. They serve as plant supports, poles and handles for farm tools. Growers can raise plants from seed or divide them in spring. Seed is hard to find. Seeds can take three to six months to sprout. Keep the seed compost from drying out. Give seedlings light shade while they grow under cover. Pieces split from plants in open ground need care as they take root. The source favours wet weather for this work. It notes that smaller pieces take root better.