Pleioblastus gramineus

Pleioblastus gramineus is a bamboo in the grass family, Poaceae. It is evergreen, keeping its leaves throughout the year. It comes from Japan's Ryukyu Islands, also called Nansei-shotō. Kew places it in the subtropical climate zone. Plants For A Future gives its height as about 10 feet [3 metres]. The sources do not state its spread at full size. They give no close account of its leaves.

Its rootstock spreads outward below ground and can become invasive. Keep this spread in mind when choosing where to plant. New shoots start to grow from late May. The canes have thin walls but can serve as plant supports. The sources give no cane colour or bark details for this species. They give no clear account of where it grows wild.

This bamboo likes moist ground and does not like drought. It grows in sand, loam, and clay. For garden growth, it prefers good loam. It accepts soil that is mildly acid or mildly alkaline. Neutral soil suits it too. A sheltered spot in part shade suits it well. Protect it from winds from the north and northeast. It suits woodland gardens and shaded edges. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9. It gives a UK zone of 7 as well.

Flowers appear only after gaps of several years. Each flower has both male and female organs. Wind carries the pollen. Plants that flower often set seed that can grow. Making seed can drain much of the plant's strength. Plants may die after they flower. Yet they often grow back if left alone. This can take years, with poor growth during that time. The evidence gives no set month for blooms. It gives no account of the fruit. It reports strong resistance to honey fungus. It names no other pests or diseases.

You can cook and eat the young shoots. Plants For A Future rates food use two out of five. It lists no known hazards. This does not mean it is safe for pets. The source records no known use as medicine. The canes also serve as simple garden supports for plants. You can grow new plants from seed or divide plants in spring. Seed is scarce, as the plants seldom flower. Young plants grown from seed need moist compost and light shade as they grow.