Yushania anceps aka Indian Fountain Bamboo

Yushania anceps is an evergreen bamboo in the grass family, Poaceae. Its common names include Indian fountain bamboo and anceps bamboo. Kew lists its native range as Uttarakhand in India. Other sources extend that range into western Nepal. It grows in temperate conditions despite its South Asian range. PFAF records it at about 9,840 feet [3,000 metres] above sea level.

In gardens, plants reach about 10–11.5 feet [3–3.5 metres] tall. The RHS gives a broader height range of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Its listed spread is 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Plants take five to ten years to reach mature size. The glossy, dark green canes stand upright. Their branches hang down and carry narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Leaves reach about 6 inches [15 centimetres] long. The plant keeps its foliage through the year. Its upright canes and hanging branches give it a clear shape.

Choose a sheltered site with loamy soil of moderate fertility. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. Damp soil also suits this bamboo. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Partial shade suits it well. Full sun works where soil stays damp through spring and summer. Woodland edges and sites with dappled shade offer other planting options. Deep shade is not recommended by PFAF. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11.

This bamboo can form a dense hedge or screen over time. Its strong outline also suits planting for shape and structure. Mature, well-ripened canes serve as plant supports and basket material. Allow room for its spreading roots when choosing a site. Warm, moist conditions can drive rapid spread, so roots may need restraint. Divide established plants in spring, or take rhizome cuttings. Remove dead, weak, damaged, and thin canes in spring. Thinning also makes the remaining stems easier to see.

The RHS reports few disease problems, though slugs may attack. It advises removing flowering shoots promptly to limit further flowering. The evidence gives no flowering season or fruit details. PFAF records no known food or medicinal uses for this species. It also lists no known hazards. That record does not establish that the plant is edible. Its supported uses are as a garden screen and cane source.