Iridescens Edible Bamboo (Phyllostachys iridescens)

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

Phyllostachys iridescens is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). 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 full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious spring vegetable, they are usually boiled in at least one change of water. — Young shoots - cooked.; A delicious spring vegetable, they are usually boiled in at least one change of water.; The shoots, which are 4 - 7cm in diameter, are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.

Habitat & North American Range

Grows along stream banks. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)