Sasa veitchii aka Kuma Bamboo Grass

Sasa veitchii is an evergreen bamboo in the grass family. Its native range runs from Sakhalin to Japan. Gardeners also call it Kuma bamboo grass or Veitch's bamboo. In Japan, it grows in woods and damp hollows. It forms dense clumps, but its roots spread beyond them. This makes it useful where broad ground cover is needed.

Slender, upright canes carry broad, lance-shaped leaves with no hairs. The leaf centres stay dark green through the year. In late autumn, the edges turn cream or pale brown. These dry, papery margins give the leaves a clear border. Sources give different heights for this small bamboo. The RHS description puts its canes near 4 feet [1.2 m]. Its size table gives 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 m]. NC State lists a wider range, from 2–8 feet [0.6–2.4 m]. Mature clumps may spread 8–13 feet [2.5–4 m]. Flowers are small and lack much garden interest. The fruit is a caryopsis, a dry grain-like fruit.

This bamboo grows fast and prefers partial shade. It can also grow in full sun or full shade. Give it fertile soil rich in humus, with good drainage. Keep the soil moist, rather than letting water stand. It accepts clay, loam and sand across a broad pH range. Protect the leaves and canes from cold, drying winds. The RHS rates it H5 for UK gardens. NC State lists USDA zones 6a through 9b. Plants may take five to ten years to reach full size.

Use it as ground cover, a loose hedge or a screen. Its dense growth can help keep weeds down. It also suits containers, banks, woodland gardens and mass planting. Its spreading roots can make it hard to contain. Warm, moist sites can lead to very aggressive growth. Plan to restrain its spread and allow for regular upkeep. Remove weak, dead or damaged stems in spring. Spring division and young rhizome cuttings provide new plants.

Slugs may attack this bamboo, though disease problems are uncommon. PFAF lists young shoots as edible after cooking. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. That source reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.