Metake - Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Pseudosasa japonica is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. Harvested in the late spring when about 8 - 10cm above ground level, cutting the stems 5cm or more below soil level. They have a rather bitter flavour. Seed - used as a cereal. — Young shoots - cooked.; Harvested in the late spring when about 8 - 10cm above ground level, cutting the stems 5cm or more below soil level.; They have a rather bitter flavour.; Seed - used as a cereal.

Habitat & North American Range

Woodland and damp places, forming thickets in open country, C. and S. Japan. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)