Common Name:

General Information

Pleioblastus distichus is an evergreen bamboo that can grow 20 - 40cm tall; the erect, woody culms are 1 - 2mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes. The rhizomes are elongated, the plant having a vigorously running habit that can produce new canes some distance from the main clump, especially in warm climates.
The plant is grown as an ornamental, where it is used as a ground cover and soil stabilizer.
A very aggressive spreading plant and very difficult to eradicate, it survives mowing[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Japan

Habitat

Forests.

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	0.30 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pleioblastus distichus is a very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c.
Succeeds in most soils[] but prefers a good loamy soil in a sheltered position in semi-shade[]. Requires deep shade[] and a position sheltered from cold winds[]. Dislikes drought[].
The leaf margins wither in winter to give a variegated effect.
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually -usually in the spring and early summer, and these stems grow to their maximum height in their first two to three months. Any subsequent growth in the stem is limited to the production of new side branches and leaves.
Temperate bamboo species usually grow for many years without flowering. When they do finally flower it is not unusual for all the plants of that species in the region to also flower. They do so profusely over a period of 1 - 3 years and will often then die, probably from exhaustion. Some species, if given plenty of organic matter at this time will gradually recover, although they will look rather poorly for a year or three. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A useful ground cover plant in the right situation[]. It needs an area with lots of space for it to roam at will.
The aggressive root system is very useful for stabilizing screes and banks.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - if possible, surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Stored seed should be sown as soon as it is received. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse or cold frame until they are large enough to plant out, which could be a number of years. The plants only flower at intervals of several years and so seed is rarely available.
Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[].