Reddish bamboo (Phyllostachys rubromarginata)

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

Phyllostachys rubromarginata is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a fast rate. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. They have a small degree of acridity when raw but this is removed if they are boiled in water, they are then eaten in salads etc. — Young shoots - cooked.; They have a small degree of acridity when raw but this is removed if they are boiled in water, they are then eaten in salads etc.; The shoots, which are about 35mm 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

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