black bamboo
(Phyllostachys nigra)
Overview
Phyllostachys nigra, Black bamboo
- Appearance
- Phyllostachys nigra is a large perennial woody grass that can reach from 20 to 35 ft. (6.1-10.7 m) in height. Stems may be smooth to ribbed and glabrous. There may be a dense fringe of purplish to brown hairs just above the node with nodal ridges moderately prominent. Sheath scars may be as prominent as the nodal ridges.
- Foliage
- Culms start out green but gradually turn a purplish black color at maturity. Leaves are dark green, alternate, 2.4 to 4.7 in. (6-12 cm) long, oblong or lanceolate in shape, and entire margins with a mostly hairless and narrow sheath.
- Flowers
- Flowers and fruit are very rarely produced.
- Fruit
- This plant mainly reproduces from rhizomes (underground stems).
- Ecological Threat
- Phyllostachys nigra spreads from deliberately planted gardens into nearby bushlands. It is native to southern China.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State List - This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law. For more information, visit Invasive.org
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Liliopsida |
| Subclass: Commelinidae |
| Order: Cyperales |
| Family: Poaceae |
| Subfamily: Bambusoideae |
| Tribe: Arundinarieae |
| Genus: Phyllostachys |
| Subject: Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd.) Munro |