Giant Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax)

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

Phyllostachys vivax is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland).

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious flavour, they are almost entirely free of acridity, even in the raw state. — Young shoots - raw or cooked.; A delicious flavour, they are almost entirely free of acridity, even in the raw state.; The shoots, which are 4 - 8cm 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

Plains and mountains. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)