Chishima Zasa (Sasa kurilensis)

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

Sasa kurilensis is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). 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). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. They are so popular in Japan that a license is required in order to collect them. Seed - used as a cereal. The seed is only produced at intervals of many years. — Young shoots - cooked.; They are so popular in Japan that a license is required in order to collect them.; Seed - used as a cereal.; The seed is only produced at intervals of many years.

Habitat & North American Range

Forms compact clumps in thickets on high mountain slopes, C. and N. Japan. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)