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Golden Bamboo

Phyllostachys aurea

Other Common Names

None for this invasive

Plant Category

Grass and Sedge

Invasive Description

Native to Asia, Golden Bamboo was introduced in Alabama in 1882 as an ornamental. It grows 16 to 40 feet tall, with jointed cane stems and bushy tops of lanceolate leaves in fan clusters on grass like stems, often golden green. Plants arise from branched rhizomes. A plant consists of two parts: the aboveground jointed stem called a culm, and the underground jointed rhizome which bears true roots.

Ecological Threat

Golden Bamboo spreads quickly by tough, aggressive underground rhizomes forming a monoculture. Long, fibrous, interconnecting root mats form a framework for debris dams behind bridges and culverts interfering with flood control. The plant alters water flow in riparian habitats. Root and stem fragments float downstream to form new infestations. It is highly flammable and can create intense fires. The Bamboo reduces habitat for wildlife, including the Least Bell’s vireo, a federally endangered bird, and is extremely difficult to eradicate.

You may not want or need to replace this invasive plant, but if you do, options are listed below.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions
Additional Replacement Options: Common cattail (Typha latifolia), Sugarcane Plumegrass (Saccharum giganteum), Powdery Thalia (Thalia dealbata)