Half-Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys arcana)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Phyllostachys arcana is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious flavour. — Young shoots - cooked.; The shoots, which are about 3cm in diameter, are harvested in the spring when about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.; They are said to be of good quality and have a delicious flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)