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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Young shoots - cooked[1][2][3]. Virtually free of acridity even when raw[4], they are eaten in salads or added to soups etc[5]. The shoots on mature clumps can be 40mm or more in diameter[K]. Another report says the shoots are acrid when raw. The shoots are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.

Material uses

The canes are used as plant supports etc[1][4].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available.

Division in spring as new growth commences. Divisions from the open ground do not transplant well, so will need careful treatment and nurturing under cover in pots until at least late spring[6]. Division is best carried out in wet weather and small divisions will establish better than large clumps[6]. Another report says that you can take large divisions from established clumps and transfer them straight to their permanent positions, misting or drenching them frequently until they are established[7].

Basal cane cuttings in spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position[7] and plenty of moisture in the growing season[7].

Plants are very hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c[4], but they dislike prolonged exposure to hard frosts[7]. Plants can reach 10 metres in height in the warmer parts of Britain. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[7]. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[8]. A very ornamental plant, it will in time form a clump 7 or more metres in diameter so it is best grown in an isolated position[9]. This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants are shallow rooted and do not compete with deep rooted trees[4].

The rootstock is running[10], it is not too invasive in the cooler British climate[7] but can wander a little. New shoots appear from early April[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens
Genus
Phyllostachys
Family
Gramineae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
Shade
partial shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    6 x 7 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.5 Farrelly. D. The Book of Bamboo Sierra Club. ISBN 0-87156-825-X (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    8. ? ? The Plantsman. Vol. 1. 1979 - 1980. Royal Horticultural Society (1979-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Lawson. Bamboos. Faber (1968-00-00)

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