Kou-Chiku (Phyllostachys sulphurea viridis)

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

Phyllostachys sulphurea viridis is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). 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) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - raw or cooked. Virtually free of acridity even when raw, they can be thinly sliced and eaten raw in salads but are usually boiled first. — Young shoots - raw or cooked.; Virtually free of acridity even when raw, they can be thinly sliced and eaten raw in salads but are usually boiled first.; The shoots 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 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)