Are Bamboo Plants Toxic to Cats?

Bamboo plants are a popular choice for homeowners and gardeners alike, due to their ease of care and elegant appearance. However, it is important to note that not all bamboo plants are safe for cats.

Non-toxic Bamboo to Cats

True bamboo, specifically those belonging to the subfamily Bambusoideae, is not toxic to cats. This means that most species of true bamboo are safe for cats. Some examples of true bamboo plants include:

• Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
• Fishpole bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)
• Bamboo vine (Nandina domestica)
• Good luck palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
• Reed palm (Raphis humilis)

Toxic Bamboo to Cats

However, it is essential to be cautious because many plants commonly referred to as "bamboo" are not genuine bamboo and can be toxic to cats. Some examples of non-toxic bamboo plants include:

• Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
• Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)
• Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

If you have a cat, it is important to be sure to identify any bamboo plants in your home or garden to make sure they are not toxic. If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep them out of reach of your pet.

Here are some additional tips for cat owners:

• Research: If you're considering getting a bamboo plant, ensure you choose a species that is not toxic to cats by researching the specific plant type.

• Placement: Keep all bamboo plants, as well as other potentially toxic plants, out of your cat's reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

• Enrichment: Provide your cat with a variety of safe and stimulating toys and activities to prevent boredom, reducing the likelihood of them chewing on plants.

• Monitoring: If you catch your cat eating bamboo, remove the plant from their reach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

What to do if your cat eats bamboo

If you suspect your cat has consumed bamboo, it's essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. They will assess the situation and recommend the appropriate treatment.

In cases where a cat has ingested a small amount of a non-toxic bamboo plant, they should generally be fine. However, it's always best to consult a veterinarian for guidance.

If a cat has ingested a toxic bamboo plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, they might even experience seizures or go into a coma. In such instances, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention without delay.

Informational sources for further reading:

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
• University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
• Pet Poison Helpline

Please note that this information is intended to be informative and should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your cat's health or safety, please consult your veterinarian.

Is Bamboo Toxic to Dogs

True bamboo species are generally not toxic to dogs, although some plants are often misidentified as bamboo but are actually poisonous. Here's what you need to know to keep your dog safe.

What plants are often misidentified as bamboo?

Bamboo is a member of the grass family, and most grasses are considered safe for dogs to eat. In fact, bamboo leaves can provide a source of dietary fiber and, to some extent, protein for dogs.

Two plants that are often confused with bamboo are heavenly bamboo (nandina) and lucky bamboo (dracaena).

• Heavenly bamboo contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested, potentially leading to fatal cyanide poisoning. 
• Lucky bamboo is mildly toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

How can I keep my dog safe from toxic plants?

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe from toxic plants:

• Identify all the plants in your yard and home, making sure to learn their scientific names, as common names can be misleading.

• Research any plants you are unfamiliar with to determine if they are toxic to dogs. Numerous resources are available online and at your local library.

• Keep toxic plants securely out of your dog's reach, especially in your yard. You might consider fencing them off to prevent accidental ingestion.

• Supervise your dog when they are outdoors. If you observe your dog chewing on a plant, intervene immediately and identify the plant. If you are unsure whether the plant is toxic, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

If you think your dog may have ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Further reading:

• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

• Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

• Poison Control Center: https://www.poison.org/

Sacred Bamboo: Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo shrubs

Nandina domestica, widely known as nandina heavenly bamboo, heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo, are evergreen flowering plants from the Berberidaceae family. 

Nandina heavenly bamboo plants are shrubs, not real bamboo plants from the grass family, Poaceae. Heavenly bamboo is the perfect ornamental plant for small gardens and pots.

There are several cultivars that produce stunning bright red berries and foliage in autumn and winter.

They are undemanding and low maintenance. You can propagate heavenly bamboo plants from stem cutting, root cutting or seed.

Nandina heavenly bamboo features

• Botanical name: Nandina domestica
• Common name: Sacred bamboo, Heavenly bamboo
• Family: Berberidaceae
• Plant type: Slow-growing shrub
• Native to: Eastern Asia to Japan
• Flowers in: Summer
• Berries: Bright red in Spring
• Foliage: Evergreen (leaves green to bright red)
• Propagation by: Root/stem cuttings, seeds
• Soil: Well-drained moist, slightly acidic
• Position: Full sun/Part shade
• Height: 2 metres
• Width: 1.5 metres
• Uses: Small garden, pots and planters
• Toxicity: Berries are mildly toxic to pet animals and birds if eaten in large quantities

What are the cultivars of nandina heavenly bamboo plants?

There are several types of nandina, but the 5 listed below are common in the UK. 

They have white flowers in summer with stunning arrays of foliage. 

Notably, the new foliage tends to change colour from summer to autumn to winter and spring. Yet, they are evergreen shrubs and do not lose their leaves through all the colour changes.

• 1) Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’ – upright, evergreen shrub with bright red foliage in autumn.
• 2) Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ – new foliage is reddish-brown, turns green to red, white flowers in summer.
• 3) Nandina domestica – upright, evergreen shrub with white flowers, red berries and reddish foliage in autumn and spring.
• 4) Nandina domestica ‘Magical Lemon and Lime’ – new foliage is light yellow to green, turning deep green as it matures.
• 5) Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’ – upright, evergreen shrub with white flowers and fire-engine red new shoots, foliage turn green in summer and red again in autumn as it matures.

Heavenly bamboo plants for sale: All 5 cultivars are available at Thompson and Morgan (visit product page). You may also be interested in other plant alternatives to bamboo with bamboo names.

Is Nandina heavenly bamboo a bamboo plant?

The leaves look like those of the bamboo plants that is why it is called Heavenly Bamboo. 

In fact, nandina heavenly bamboo is from the shrub family Berberidaceae and not grass family Poaceae. It is not clumping or running a bamboo plant. 

Nandina doemstica plant is a good alternative to bamboo plants as it provides an evergreen cover all year round.

How to propagate heavenly bamboo?

The quickest (and probably best) way to propagate nandina heavenly bamboo is from a root cutting.

• Carefully take root cutting and propagate it in a grow pot.
• Use well-drained moist loam soil or a potting mixture until it is ready for transplanting.

You can also grow nandina heavenly bamboo from stem cutting. Take the cutting, preferably, in summer and grow it in a propagating medium until roots appear. 

However, it can take longer compared to growing it from a root cutting Growing heavenly bamboo from seeds can take much longer, but you can get lots of plants from the seeds. 

The seeds are normally ready in late autumn and winter when it turns vibrant red.

• Pick the seeds and sow them in a propagator until they grow.
• Then, transplant them into grow pots before planting them in the garden.
• It can take 6-12 months before transplanting them, and it depends on the conditions.

How to grow healthy heavenly bamboo in the garden?

Nandina heavenly bamboo is undemanding and easy to grow. It can grow well in any location, but the colours of the foliage and berries are prominent in the sun. Plant in spring when new growths are emerging.

• Plant Nandina heavenly bamboo in well-drained, moist soil. It will also tolerate slightly acidic soil.
• Add mulch with bark chips after planting.
• Water generously until they are well established.

How to prune nandina heavenly bamboo plants?

New shoots grow after pruning in spring. (Garden Bamboo Plants)

Nandina is a slow-growing plant, that rarely needs pruning. However, light trimming especially in spring may be required to promote new growth. It is also the perfect way to keep it in shape. 

It is a vigorous plant and will grow new shoots as soon as spring arrives. 

Cut at a 45 degrees angle from the nodes with a clean pair of secateurs. 

Remove any old plant that looks tired. Take it completely off the bottom so that new plants can take over.

Conclusion

Nandina sacred heavenly bamboo plants have the perfect evergreen foliage that changes colours throughout the different seasons. 

They are well-known for their beautiful white flowers in summer, and fiery red leaves and berries in winter and autumn. They are undemanding and easy to grow.

Grow Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream' Heavenly Bamboo Shrub

Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream', commonly known as the Heavenly Bamboo plant, barely grows to 1.5m tall and spreads 1m. 

The Nandina Gulf Stream is medium in height and spread when compared to the other nandina domestic cultivars. 

This nandina is a fantastic bushy plant with evergreen foliage, perfect for small winter gardens.

Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ colouration

The new foliage is bright red. It greens up in summer, turns fiery red in autumn and winter, and changes to orange in spring. 

It produces white flowers in summer followed by fire-engine red berries in winter. 

The amazing changes in foliage colours are easy to know why this plant is very popular among gardeners. Buy Nandina Domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ > Heavenly Bamboo Plants for sale.

	Foliage	Flower	Berry
Spring	Orange – green		Fiery red
Summer	Green – red	White
Autumn	Fiery red
Winter	Red-orange		Fiery red

How to grow Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’?

The carefree Nandina shrub is perfect for small gardens and built areas. Nandina Gulf Stream is a medium-sized nandina at 1.5m tall and 1m wide. 

It’s adorable when mass planted or grown as an individual plant. It likes well-drained moist soil. It also prefers a tight-spaced area where there is plenty of sunlight. 

Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream' Heavenly Bamboo can tolerate part shade but avoid planting in full shade. For the best result, grow in a location where it receives 3 – 5 hours of sunlight daily.

Planting root-bound Nandina Gulf Stream

New nandina plant come root bound with roots sticking out the sides. 

Take care when removing them from the pots because any root damage can affect the new plant. After planting, water generously until the roots are well established. 

You can grow nandina shrubs at any time of the year, but the bests time is in spring when the growth is prominent.

Uses

Nandina shrubs are ideal evergreen plants for landscaping and design and for small gardens.

In particular, Nandina Gulf Stream comes alive when deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in autumn. It’s a perfect shrub for small autumn and winter gardens. 

  Key features

1. Versatile plants grow in full sun to part shade.
2. Evergreen shrub, grow for 15 to 20 years.
3. Seasonal changes in foliage colour.
4. Adapts to small and narrow spaces.
5. Is drought resistant and hardy.

Is Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream' invasive?

Some species of Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo plants) are invasive. 

They tend to grow away from the parent plants. 

But, the recent nandina domestica cultivars, including Nandina ‘Gulf Stream’, are not invasive. They grow in concentrated clumps around the parent plant. 

It is important to check the plant's description when buying it because there are different cultivars of Nandina domestica. Not all of them spread.

Prune nandina domestica care

New shoots grow after pruning in spring. (Garden Bamboo Plants)

Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ is undemanding, low maintenance, shrub. 

It is a slow-growing plant that rarely needs pruning. 

However, light trimming especially in spring may be required to promote new growth. Pruning may be required to keep it in shape. 

Remove any old plant that looks tired. Cut it completely off the bottom so that new plants can take over. You do not have to worry about the plant dying. 

It is a vigorous plant and will grow new shoots as soon as spring arrives. We give an in-depth insight into how to propagate, grow and care for Nandina Heavenly Bamboo shrubs in the linked article.

Why is Nandina domestica called heavenly bamboo?

Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo is a shrub from the Berberidaceae family, not a grass of the family Poaceae. 

In fact, the reason why it’s called heavenly bamboo is unclear. But, the leaves closely resemble bamboo leaves. 

Also, the upright habit, fountain foliage and clumped base look like clumping bamboo. Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo is not real bamboo. It’s a small shrub.

Conclusion

All in all, Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ had stunning foliage, perfect for autumn and winter gardens. It is low maintenance, draught-resistant and hardy. A versatile plant for small gardens, landscaping and designs.

Grow Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’ Seika Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’, also called Obsessed Seika, is a compact shrub. A fantastic foundation plant for small gardens and pots. 

Nandina obsessed is fairly small compared to the other Nandina domestica cultivars. It grows to a height of 0.7m and spreads 0.5m from the base.

Here is the common heavenly bamboo (the 'Gulf Stream').

Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’ Colours

The new leaves appear fiery red and turn green in the warmer months and back to red in the cooler months. This is one of the best things about the nandina domestica shrubs. 

In summer, clusters of bright white flowers appear atop clusters of emerald green leaves and woody brown stems. 

The flowers form bright red berries in autumn that remain throughout the winter and spring. (Read how to prepare the seeds and propagate them into new plants).

The amazing changes in foliage colours are easy to know why this plant is very popular among gardeners.

Season	Foliage	Flower	Berry
Spring	Fiery Red		Red
Summer	Green	White
Autumn	Fiery Red
Winter	Red		Red

How To Grow Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’?

Nandina Obsessed shrub is perfect for small gardens and pots. It’s adorable when mass planted in the garden or as an individual plant in pots. It likes well-drained moist soil. 

The Nandina Obsessed also prefers a tight-spaced area where there is plenty of light. 

They can tolerate part shade but avoid planting in full shade. For the best result, grow in a location where it receives 3 – 5 hours of sunlight daily. 

New nandina heavenly bamboo plants often come root bound in pots. Take care of the roots when transplanting. Any root damage can affect the new plant. 

After planting, water generously until the roots are well established.

Uses Of Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’

Like other Nandina domestica shrubs, this plant comes alive when deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in autumn. It’s a perfect shrub for small autumn and winter gardens. 

You can grow nandina shrubs at any time of the year, but the bests time is in spring when the growth is prominent. 

For best effects, grow them in clusters with the taller plants in the background and Nandina Obsessed in the front.

Key features of Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’.

Fire engine red berries in spring.

• Versatile plants grow in full sun to part shade.
• Evergreen shrub, grow for 15 to 20 years.
• Seasonal changes in foliage colour.
• Adapts to small and narrow spaces.
• Is drought resistant and hardy.

Botanical name	Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’
Common name/s	Nandina Obsessed, Heavenly Bamboo Obsessed,     Obsessed Seika
Family	Berberidaceae
Plant type	Evergreen shrub
Uses	Small gardens, pots, landscaping & design
Soil	Well-drained moist soil, loam
Exposure	Part shade to sun
Height & Width	70 cm tall, 60 cm spread
Propagate by	Root & stem cuttings, seeds
More information	5 types of Nandina domestica

Are Heavenly Bamboo Plants Invasive?

Some species of Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo plants) are fairly invasive. 

Nandina Obsessed tends to throw its roots away from the parent plants. 

Though it is not intrusive like the real running bamboo plants, it will spread. You can take the root cuttings and propagate new plants that way.

Prune Nandina Domestica

New shoots grow after pruning in spring. (Garden Bamboo Plants)

Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’ is a low-maintenance shrub. 

It’s slow-growing and rarely needs pruning. However, light trimming especially in spring may be required to promote new growth. 

Also, pruning may be required to keep it in shape. Remove any old plant that looks tired. 

We give an in-depth insight into how to propagate, grow and care for Nandina Heavenly Bamboo shrubs in the linked article. Find out what you need to know about these stunning plants.

Why Is Nandina Domestica Called Heavenly Bamboo?

The reason why it’s called heavenly bamboo is unclear. However, the leaves resemble bamboo leaves. 

Also, the upright habit, fountain foliage and clumped base look like those of the clumping bamboo plants. This is why the Nandina domestica shrubs are sometimes called heavenly bamboo plants. 

Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo is not real bamboo. It’s a small shrub.

Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’ Seika Heavenly Bamboo

All in all, Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’ is a compact shrub with stunning foliage and fiery red berries. Perfect for autumn and winter gardens, mass planting or landscaping. 

It is low maintenance, draught-resistant and hardy shrub.