How to identify non-invasive bamboo plants?

What is invasive bamboo and how can identify the non-invasive clumping bamboo plants? 

There are several ways to look at it, but the easiest way to identify a bamboo as clumping or running is to look at the structure and formation of the base.

Related articles:

• WHAT BAMBOO TO GROW - CLUMPING OR RUNNING?
• NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS UK - WHAT ARE THEY?

 

How to identify clumping bamboo?

The clumping bamboo and running bamboo plants have distinct rooting systems, which make it easy, to identify them. We cover the parts of clumping bamboo in this article. 

We also identified the pros and cons of growing the invasive running bamboos, and what you can do to contain them. 

More info here – Should You Grow Running Bamboos? 

This group of bamboos have compact rhizomes that often form dense clumps, hence the name clumping or clump-forming bamboo. 

In fact, the rhizomes determine whether bamboo is invasive or non-invasive. 

So, take a closer look at the rhizomes to work out if it is clumping or running bamboo. 

This video shows the base of a clumping bamboo - the Buddha Belly Bamboo

Base of a running bamboo - the Phyllostachys aurea (Fishpole bamboo)

Best ways to know your bamboo plants

These evergreen, fast-growing plants are amazing. 

Whether you the clumping or running bamboo, these articles will help you to identify them. 

• WHAT BAMBOO TO GROW - CLUMPING OR RUNNING?
• NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS UK - WHAT ARE THEY?