Madake (Phyllostachys bambusoides)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Phyllostachys bambusoides is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked as a vegetable. Large but somewhat acrid when raw, they require boiling in a lot of water or in several changes of water. — Young shoots - cooked as a vegetable.; Large but somewhat acrid when raw, they require boiling in a lot of water or in several changes of water.; The shoots are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.; The shoots contain about 2.1% protein, 0.3% fat, 3.2% carbohydrate, 0.9% ash.

Habitat & North American Range

Woodland and especially on lower cleared slopes. In open forest or bush-wood at elevations up to 1800 metres. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)