Black Bamboo. Giant Black bamboo (Gigantochloa atroviolacea)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Gigantochloa atroviolacea is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 12 m (39ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The young shoots are edible, turning yellow-pinkish after cooking. — The young shoots are edible, turning yellow-pinkish after cooking.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 9)