Phyllostachys nigra

Plant Family

Poaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Phyllostachys nigra

Photo by: JESSE SAYLOR

Plant Common Name

Black Bamboo

General Description

Black bamboo looks beautiful throughout the year. Its tall, attractive green and black stems (culms) are glossy and offer vertical architectural appeal. This species has been cultivated for centuries in its native China and few wild populations are known to exist. It was first introduced as an ornamental in the United States in the early nineteenth century and has become naturalized in several southeastern states, such as Georgia and South Carolina. There are many desirable cultivated varieties to choose from that vary in height, vigor and stem color.

Like many large bamboos, this species spreads via dense, fast-spreading rhizomes and forms large colonies. The newly emerging culms are lush bright green and deepen to black. They are lined with leafy shoots covered with green leaf blades. Bamboos rarely flower and set fruit.

Grow black bamboo in full sun and well-drained soil with average fertility. In hot climates it may grow better in partial sun. Its hollow, woody stems can be cut and used to make garden supports, such as arbors or teepees. The culms tend to fall over in windy spots resulting in an untidy looking bamboo grove, so avoid growing it in open, windy areas. Some notable cultivars include the smaller, more cold hardy 'Hale', 'Shimadake' which has brown striped culms with black internodes, and the tall 'Bory' with its purple and brown spotted culms.

Be aware that this spreading bamboo can be aggressive and difficult to control in the landscape. In its northernmost hardiness zones it grows more slowly and is easier to maintain.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  12 - 4

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  6 - 10

• Sunset Zone

  H1, H2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Grass

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

• Height

  20'-60' / 6.1m - 18.3m (35)

• Width

  15'-30' / 4.6m - 9.1m

• Native To

  China

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Moisture

  Average

• Soil type

  Clay, Loam, Sand

• Growth Rate

  Very Fast

• Water Requirements

  Average Water

• Habit

  Thicket/Colonizing

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  None

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Lime Green

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Lime Green, Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Lime Green, Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Gray Green, Dark Green

• Bark Color

  Light Green, Black

• Fragrant Flowers

  No

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  No

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  No

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  Yes

• Foliage Texture

  Fine

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  Semi-Evergreen

• Showy Bark

  Yes

Special Characteristics

• Bark Texture

  Smooth

• Usage

  Container, Feature Plant, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  No

• Invasive

  Yes

• Self-Sowing

  No